can be contracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be contracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to shorten or combine words or phrases, often in the context of grammar or linguistics. Example: "In informal speech, 'cannot' can be contracted to 'can't' for ease of communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even janitorial services can be contracted through the site.

The New York Times

Hepatitis B can be contracted only through exposure to infected blood or body fluids.

The New York Times - Health

Besides humans and dogs, the disease can be contracted by other animals, including horses.

The New York Times

Denzel, who arrives very sick, has a parasite that can be contracted from deep puncture wounds.

The New York Times - Arts

Legionnaires' disease is caused by a bacterium usually found in standing water and can be contracted by breathing contaminated air.

The Guardian

It can be contracted only through close contact with sufferers, but camels are also thought capable of spreading the virus.

The Guardian

The researchers emphasized that there is no evidence that C. difficile can be contracted by inhaling the germs.

The New York Times - Health

It is shown that the non-convexity of fixed-order controller design problem can be contracted in a rank deficiency constraint on Sylvester resultant matrix of the controller.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, can be contracted by young girls shortly after sexual debut.

Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Therefore, a coordinated controller of the system can be contracted from the expanded space under the conditions of the inclusion principle.

Information Sciences

The disease, which debilitates animals and is highly infectious, can be contracted by sheep, cattle, pigs, goats and deer, with serious implications for the meat and dairy industries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing diseases, use "can be contracted" to indicate the possibility of acquiring the illness through specific means, like contact or transmission.

Common error

Avoid using "can be contracted" when referring to agreements or arrangements that are entered into, not acquired involuntarily. Use "can be agreed upon" or "can be established" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be contracted" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or potential. It is used to express that something is capable of being acquired (like a disease) or reduced (like a service). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be contracted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the possibility of acquiring something, such as a disease, or the potential for something to be reduced or outsourced. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of acquisition or reduction, avoiding misuse in contexts that require terms like "agreed upon" or "established".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be acquired

Replaces "contracted" with "acquired", focusing on obtaining something, like a disease.

could be obtained

Emphasizes the possibility of obtaining something, using "obtained" in place of "contracted".

is susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability and likelihood of getting something, often a disease.

can be diminished

Focuses on reduction or lessening, where "contracted" implies shrinking or decreasing.

may be reduced

Similar to "can be diminished", emphasizing the potential for reduction.

could be outsourced

Applies when "contracted" refers to outsourcing work or services to a third party.

is able to be outsourced

Expresses the ability to outsource, adding a layer of capability.

can be minimised

Focuses on the opportunity for something to be smaller.

might be shrunk

Specifies the shrinking/reducing of something.

may become infected

Highlights the chance of getting ill.

FAQs

What does "can be contracted" mean?

The phrase "can be contracted" generally means something has the possibility of being acquired or reduced. It is commonly used to describe how a disease might be acquired or how the size of something can be reduced.

How is "can be contracted" used when talking about illnesses?

When discussing diseases, "can be contracted" describes how an individual might acquire an illness through different transmission methods, such as contact with bodily fluids or airborne transmission. For example, "Ebola "can be contracted" only through direct contact of bodily fluids".

What are some alternatives to "can be contracted"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "may be acquired", "could be obtained", or "is susceptible to" when discussing how something may be acquired. If discussing reduction, "can be diminished" or "may be reduced" are alternatives.

When is it inappropriate to use "can be contracted"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "can be contracted" when referring to agreements, services, or other things that are willingly entered into. In those cases, use alternatives like "can be agreed upon", "can be outsourced", or "can be established".