can be designated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be designated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that can be assigned a specific title, role, or classification. Example: "The area can be designated as a protected wildlife reserve to ensure the safety of endangered species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

London development areas can be designated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Additional schools can be designated later.

Cornell University

Images and videos can be designated similarly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Targets can be designated in terms of the cognitive map.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

(If nothing else, I think this can be designated as the Year of the Yard Sign).

The New York Times

A subject can be designated as Exploratory any time before Add Date.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Trunk lines can be designated for either residential or business use.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Photographs can be designated as private using the Privacy function of Axess.

Stanford University

By pointing out their significance, the society hopes to help preserve them until they can be designated.

The New York Times

Mr. Huang also includes a number of wild-card tiles that can be designated whatever letter a player wishes.

The New York Times

Dodd-Frank sets up a second category of nonbank financial companies that can be designated as too big to fail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be designated" when you want to emphasize the possibility of assigning a specific role, title, or classification to something. For example, "The area "can be designated" as a protected wildlife reserve."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "can be designated" if it obscures the actor or makes the sentence unnecessarily wordy. Consider revising to active voice for clarity, such as "The committee can designate the area."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be designated" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of assigning a particular status or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and usable. Examples show its application in various contexts, from designating areas to designating roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

23%

News & Media

27%

Science

48%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be designated" is a versatile passive construction used to express the potential for assigning a specific role, title, or classification. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its prevalence in academic, news, and scientific contexts underscores its formality and objectivity. Alternatives like "can be assigned" or "can be labeled" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using "can be designated", be mindful of maintaining clarity and avoiding overuse of the passive voice. Remember that while the examples indicate that "can be designated" is very common, active voice might result in a clearer message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be assigned

Replaces "designated" with a more general term for assigning something.

can be labeled

Focuses on giving something a specific label or identifier.

can be classified

Highlights the act of categorizing something into a specific group.

can be identified

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or pointing something out.

can be termed

Implies giving something a specific name or term.

can be considered

Suggests viewing something in a particular way or with a certain attribute.

can be appointed

Specifically refers to assigning someone to a role or position.

can be named

Focuses on the act of giving a specific name.

may be defined

Emphasizes the formal or precise definition of something.

could be known as

Suggests a possible or alternative name or identifier.

FAQs

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

"Can be designated" is used to indicate that something has the potential or possibility to be officially assigned a specific role, title, or function. For example, "This area "can be designated" as a historical landmark."

What can I say instead of "can be designated"?

Alternatives to "can be designated" include "can be assigned", "can be labeled", or "can be classified" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Which is correct, "can be designated" or "can designate"?

"Can be designated" is in the passive voice and implies that something is receiving the designation. "Can designate" is active and suggests someone is doing the designating. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the receiver or the assigner of the designation.

What is the difference between "can be designated" and "should be designated"?

"Can be designated" expresses possibility, while "should be designated" expresses a recommendation or obligation. "Can be designated" implies it is permissible or possible, while "should be designated" suggests it is the correct or necessary action.