can be confiscated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be confiscated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is subject to being taken away by an authority, such as in legal or regulatory situations. Example: "Items that are deemed illegal can be confiscated by law enforcement officials during a raid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

If a personal device such as an iPod is connected it can be confiscated.

The Guardian

Anderson has also raised questions about the way electronic equipment can be confiscated from those who are detained.

The Guardian

In Indiana, for example, firearms can be confiscated from people deemed a potential threat, whether or not they have a mental illness.

The New York Times

Instead, the property essentially becomes the defendant and can be confiscated as long as a link to illegal activity can be established.

The Economist

In Massachusetts, as in most states, if the abuser has a gun it can be confiscated when a restraining order is issued.

The New Yorker

Now, merely being in irregular status can earn a migrant a prison sentence; property rented to irregular immigrants can be confiscated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"We come by wealth so that it can be in our hands, not in our hearts, and so our hearts cannot be confiscated, no matter what they confiscate.

The Guardian

You can bring that apple pie through, but that merry snow globe with Frosty the Snowman inside will be confiscated.

The New York Times

It must be confiscated.

The Economist

Toy guns will be confiscated.

The New York Times

His personal property will also be confiscated.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or official procedures, use "can be confiscated" to clearly indicate the authority's right to take possession of items. For instance, "Illegal goods can be confiscated at the border."

Common error

Avoid using "can be confiscated" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "taken away" or "seized" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be confiscated" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility. It describes the potential for an item or property to be taken away by an authority. Ludwig confirms its usability in English, especially in legal or regulatory contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be confiscated" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to indicate that something is liable to be taken away by an authority. While Ludwig confirms its correct usage, it's more common in neutral to formal contexts like news and legal documents, and less so in casual conversation. Alternative phrases such as "may be seized" or "might be forfeited" can be used depending on the context. Remember to reserve "can be confiscated" for situations involving official regulations to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be seized

Uses a different modal verb ("may") and synonym ("seized") to express a similar concept of taking possession, often by legal authority.

can be taken away

Uses a simpler, more direct phrasing with "taken away" to convey the meaning of confiscation.

might be forfeited

Employs "might" as a modal verb to indicate possibility, and "forfeited" to convey the idea of losing something as a penalty.

could be impounded

Replaces "confiscated" with "impounded", typically used for vehicles or other items held by authorities.

is liable to be seized

Uses a more formal structure with "liable" and "seized", suggesting a legal or regulatory context.

is subject to seizure

Expresses the idea of being vulnerable to confiscation using "subject to" and the noun form "seizure".

is open to confiscation

Indicates the possibility of confiscation with the expression "open to", implying a risk or potential.

is liable to be taken

Employs a more formal structure with "liable" and "taken", suggesting a legal or regulatory context.

is subject to being taken

Expresses the idea of being vulnerable to confiscation using "subject to" and the verb form of take.

is exposed to loss

Employs the idea of being vulnerable to loss, a similar concept of confiscation but is generic.

FAQs

What does "can be confiscated" mean?

The phrase "can be confiscated" means that something is liable to be taken away by an authority, usually because it is illegal or violates a rule. It implies a potential loss of possession due to a specific regulation or law.

What can I say instead of "can be confiscated"?

Alternatives include "may be seized", "might be forfeited", or "can be taken away", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "can be confiscated"?

It's appropriate to use "can be confiscated" when describing scenarios where an item or property is at risk of being taken by authorities due to legal or regulatory reasons. This is often seen in legal documents, news reports, or formal discussions.

How does "can be confiscated" differ from "will be confiscated"?

"Can be confiscated" indicates a possibility or potential for something to be taken away, while "will be confiscated" suggests a certainty. The former implies a condition must be met, whereas the latter indicates a definite action.