can be defended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be defended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the validity or justification of an argument, position, or action. Example: "The theory proposed by the researcher can be defended with substantial evidence from recent studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not everything can be defended".

The New York Times - Science

This tendency can be defended.

The Economist

This, too, can be defended.

The New Yorker

Results suggest that outcome expectations about whether a position can be defended are positively associated with aggressive recommendations.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

"We believe all of the contents of the amendment can be defended".

The New York Times

What does anyone on Pepys Road possess that can be defended?

The New York Times - Books

Would like to be on the generous side of what can be defended".

The New York Times

Nothing can be defended from globalisation, not even "our" beautiful, ugly game.

The Guardian - Books

In humanitarian terms it can be defended, though it often appears callous and short-sighted.

The Guardian - Books

Not every home can be defended against the sea or the floods all the time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Social inequalities and hierarchies can be defended and secured in different ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be defended" when you want to convey that something is not only possibly correct but also able to withstand challenges or scrutiny. This implies a degree of robustness or justification beyond mere possibility.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "can be defended". While grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider active alternatives where appropriate for a more forceful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be defended" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is capable of being justified, supported, or protected. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent and grammatically sound usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be defended" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that communicates the ability of something to be justified or supported. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, use "can be defended" to convey that something has reasonable justifications and can withstand scrutiny. Remember to avoid overusing passive constructions to maintain a forceful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is defensible

Similar in meaning, but less formal.

can be justified

Highlights the existence of valid reasons or explanations for something.

is justifiable

Focuses on the inherent rightness or fairness of something, rather than the ability to protect it.

is supportable

Emphasizes the availability of evidence or reasons to back up a claim or action.

can be upheld

Suggests that something can be maintained or kept in place, often in a legal or moral context.

is tenable

Highlights the ability of a position or argument to be maintained against attack or objection.

is maintainable

Focuses on the possibility of preserving something in its current state.

is protectable

Highlights the ability to shield something from harm or danger.

can withstand scrutiny

Indicates the ability to endure close examination and criticism without failing.

is vindicable

Implies that something can be cleared of blame or suspicion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be defended" is used to indicate that an argument, position, or action has valid justifications or supporting evidence. For example, "The company's pricing strategy "can be defended" based on the high quality of its products".

What are some alternatives to "can be defended"?

Alternatives to "can be defended" include "is justifiable", "is supportable", or "can be justified", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative has slight variations in meaning and usage.

Which is correct, "can be defended" or "can be defend"?

"Can be defended" is the correct passive construction. "Can be defend" is grammatically incorrect because it uses the base form of the verb instead of the past participle.

What's the difference between "can be defended" and "should be defended"?

"Can be defended" implies that something is able to be justified or supported, while "should be defended" expresses an opinion or recommendation that something ought to be defended. The first focuses on possibility, the second on desirability.