can be copied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be copied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is able to be duplicated or reproduced. Example: "This document is confidential, but it can be copied for authorized personnel only."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Methods can be copied.

The Economist

Well, a tattoo can be copied.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

How successfully the model can be copied is uncertain.

The Economist

These pdf files can be copied as needed or desired.

Cornell University

Lists can be copied using the list constructor function.

University of California, Berkeley

If something can be copied it will be copied.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MP3 and WMA files can be copied directly to the MuVo and played on the device.

The New York Times - Tech

But digital recordings, in theory, can be copied without any loss of sound fidelity.

The New York Times

In this new online world, anything that can be copied will be copied, free.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is this a world where everything can be copied or something a little different?

Harvard Business Review

These images can be copied as needed or desired and used in powerpoint presentations.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing intellectual property or creative works, be specific about the type of copying allowed (e.g., for personal use, with attribution, etc.)

Common error

Avoid stating that "anything" or "everything" "can be copied" without considering legal and ethical implications. Qualify your statement to reflect real-world constraints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be copied" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability of something to be duplicated. Ludwig examples show it applied to diverse subjects, from digital files to methodologies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be copied" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the potential for duplication or reproduction. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence across diverse domains, particularly in discussions concerning digital media, scientific methodologies, and intellectual property. While grammatically straightforward and widely accepted, according to Ludwig, it's crucial to employ this phrase with careful consideration of context and ethical implications. Alternative phrasings, such as "can be replicated" or "is replicable", may offer a more precise or formal tone depending on the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be replicated

Replicates the meaning using a more formal and technical term.

can be reproduced

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence again.

is replicable

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same concept.

is imitable

Focuses on the ability of something to be imitated or emulated.

is reproducible

Highlights the ability to achieve the same results again.

is duplicable

Stresses the ability to create an exact duplicate.

can be emulated

Suggests a more sophisticated form of copying, involving understanding and adaptation.

can be mirrored

Implies a close resemblance or reflection.

can be cloned

Often used in a technical or biological context to describe exact replication.

can be forged

Refers to creating an illegal or unauthorized copy.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be copied" to indicate that something is capable of being duplicated or reproduced. For example: "Digital files "can be copied" without loss of quality."

What are some alternatives to "can be copied"?

Alternatives include "can be replicated", "can be reproduced", or "is replicable", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can be copy" instead of "can be copied"?

No, "can be copy" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "can be copied", where "copied" is the past participle of the verb "copy".

In what contexts is the phrase "can be copied" most commonly used?

The phrase "can be copied" is frequently used in discussions about digital media, intellectual property, and scientific research, where reproducibility is a key concept.