can be contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to hold or include something within certain limits or boundaries. Example: "The information can be contained within a single document for easier access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It can be contained.

The New York Times

"They can be contained, but not in perpetuity.

The Guardian

But the evidence now suggests that it can be contained.

The New Yorker

Trumpism can be contained, and yes, defeated electorally.

The New York Times

As a result, the error propagation can be contained.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Few doubt the missile threat can be contained.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

China can be contained.

Forbes

Stoops has acknowledged that Manziel cannot be stopped, but he believes he can be contained.

Huffington Post

They believe that the fallout can be contained without panic or contagion.

Huffington Post

And if they get through their impact can be contained.

TechCrunch

Any and all emotions can be contained in those three.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be contained", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is doing the containing and what is being contained. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "can be contained" without specifying the conditions or methods necessary for containment. This can lead to unrealistic expectations or a false sense of security.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be contained" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or potential for something to be limited, controlled, or held within specific boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be contained" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that indicates the potential for limitation or control. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and business contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify what is being contained and the means of containment to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as "can be controlled" or "can be limited" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be confined

Stresses the act of keeping something within a specific space or area.

can be kept under control

Highlights the aspect of maintaining control and preventing escalation.

is amenable to containment

Indicates a subject's susceptibility or willingness to be contained.

can be held within limits

Emphasizes the possibility of maintaining something within defined boundaries.

is able to be kept in check

Implies the capability of preventing something from exceeding acceptable levels.

can be restricted

Focuses on limiting the scope, size, or extent of something.

is susceptible to confinement

Highlights the vulnerability or tendency to be confined.

can be managed

Suggests the possibility of effectively dealing with and controlling something.

is subject to limitation

Focuses on the inherent characteristic of being restricted or capped.

can be enveloped

Suggests a complete inclusion or surrounding, which can imply control.

FAQs

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

Use "can be contained" to indicate something has the potential to be limited or controlled, such as, "The spread of misinformation can be contained with fact-checking efforts".

What are some alternatives to using "can be contained"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "can be controlled", "can be limited", or "can be managed".

Is it correct to say "can contained" instead of "can be contained"?

No, "can contained" is grammatically incorrect. The passive voice requires the auxiliary verb "be", so the correct form is "can be contained".

What's the difference between "can be contained" and "must be contained"?

"Can be contained" suggests a possibility or potential for containment, while "must be contained" indicates a necessity or requirement for containment.