can be consigned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be consigned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of assigning or delivering something to a particular person or place, often in a commercial context. Example: "The goods can be consigned to the warehouse for storage until they are needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Once exposed, it can be consigned to the dustbin of literature".

The New York Times

It will be some years yet before polio can be consigned to the history books.

The Economist

"That's our parents' shit", one character says of the fukú, as though it can be consigned to the past.

The Guardian - Books

Worcester packages and marks each customer's goods but accumulates them until a carload lot can be consigned to the Chicago office.

Cornell University

He writes, "Nationalist visions of whole ancestral 'peoples' clearing out new landscapes for themselves to enjoy can be consigned to the recycle bin of history".

The New Yorker

They can be consigned safely to the world music ghetto, ignored by the mainstream and drooled over by those who approach music as an offshoot of anthropology.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Bitter past quarrels over the Iraq war can now be consigned to history.

The Economist

There may be a long struggle ahead, but Bolton must just be grateful memories of their last campaign can now be consigned to the record books.

The Guardian - Sport

Many long-running myths can now be consigned to the dustbin of history: Prime Minister Harold Wilson was not the target of an MI5 plot, despite his paranoid convictions; Roger Hollis, MI5's chief from 1956 to 1965, was not a Soviet spy.

The New York Times - Books

Their Australian World Cup disappointment can now be consigned to history; the only people tempted to run off the pitch at the end this time were all wearing blue.

The Guardian - Sport

And with Mojo having recently over-hauled the free-falling Q in the circulation stakes, hopefully that sinister subliminal management campaign to turn the former title into the latter can now be consigned to the recycling bin of history.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be consigned" when you want to express the possibility of something being definitively assigned or transferred to a specific place or state, often implying a final destination or purpose. For example, "Outdated documents can be consigned to the archives."

Common error

Avoid using "can be consigned" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can be sent" or "can be given" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be consigned" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the possibility or permissibility of something being assigned or transferred, typically to a specific place or condition. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples where it indicates a potential destination or fate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be consigned" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate the possibility of something being assigned or transferred, usually to a definitive place or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts, it's best to avoid using it in very informal situations. Alternatives include "can be assigned" or "can be transferred", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be assigned

Focuses more on allocation or designation to a specific purpose or role, rather than a final placement.

can be relegated

Implies a lowering in status or position, often to a less desirable state.

can be relegated to

Highlights the act of demoting or assigning something to a lower position or less important status.

can be allocated

Emphasizes the distribution of resources or tasks for a specific purpose.

can be designated

Highlights the official naming or selection for a particular role or function.

can be passed on

Focuses on the transfer of something from one entity to another, often implying continuity.

can be dispatched

Suggests sending something off to a specific location or recipient.

can be handed over

Emphasizes the act of giving responsibility or control to someone else.

can be transferred

Focuses on the movement of something from one place or person to another.

can be attributed

Implies that something is caused or created by something else, or that something belongs to someone.

FAQs

How can I use "can be consigned" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be consigned" suggests that something is able to be definitively assigned or transferred. For example: "The outdated files "can be shipped" to the storage facility".

What are some alternatives to "can be consigned"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "can be assigned", "can be relegated", or "can be transferred". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "can be consigned" and "can be assigned"?

"Can be consigned" often implies a final placement or destination, particularly in a commercial context. "Can be assigned", on the other hand, focuses more on the allocation or designation to a specific purpose or role.

When is it appropriate to use "can be consigned" in writing?

Use "can be consigned" in formal or business writing when you need to convey the possibility of something being definitively assigned or transferred to a specific place or purpose, such as goods being shipped or tasks being delegated.