can be designed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be designed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is capable of being created or constructed in a particular way. Example: "The software can be designed to meet the specific needs of the user."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Any piece can be designed to order.

The New York Times - Travel

A fuel cell can be designed to operate reversibly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can be designed to carry, pull, or push loads.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So it's not something that can be designed on an assembly line".

The New York Times - Arts

Chips can be designed to break down at a certain date.

The Economist

For instance, liquid medication bottles can be designed to restrict flow.

The New York Times

MAS can be designed in many ways.

Mathematical Sciences

Hence, new foresight applications can be designed.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Contrast: Contrast function can be designed as c x, y).

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

An overload detection algorithm can be designed from this.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Some efficient mechanisms can be designed to defense such attack.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be designed", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or who is doing the designing. Providing specifics enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "can be designed" throughout your writing. While grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Vary your sentence structure for a more engaging and dynamic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be designed" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential or ability to create something according to a plan or specification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be designed" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression indicating the potential for something to be created or modified. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While it is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of overusing passive constructions and consider more direct alternatives when appropriate. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "can be designed" to convey possibility and capability in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be engineered

Emphasizes a technical and systematic approach to design and development.

can be developed

Focuses on the process of growth and improvement in the design.

can be created

Highlights the act of bringing something new into existence through design.

can be tailored

Stresses the ability to customize the design to specific requirements.

can be adapted

Focuses on modifying an existing design to fit new conditions.

can be customized

Highlights the potential for personalization and unique configurations.

can be implemented

Focuses on the practical execution and realization of a design.

can be constructed

Emphasizes the building and assembling aspect of the design process.

can be fashioned

Suggests a more artistic or crafted approach to design.

can be conceived

Highlights the initial idea and conceptualization phase of design.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "something can be designed"?

Consider using active voice constructions such as "designers can create something", or "we can design something", or specifying the purpose: "something "can be designed for" a specific purpose".

Is it better to use active or passive voice when saying "can be designed"?

While both are correct, active voice (e.g., "We can design") is often more direct and engaging. Passive voice ("can be designed") is useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant, but overuse can make writing sound weak. A good example would be: The software "can be designed to" meet the specific needs of the user.

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

"Can be designed" indicates possibility or capability, whereas "should be designed" implies a recommendation or necessity. For instance, "This feature can be designed" suggests it's feasible, but "This feature "should be designed"" argues it's important to implement.

What are common alternatives to "can be designed" in technical writing?

In technical contexts, consider alternatives like "can be engineered", "can be developed", or "can be implemented". These alternatives provide a more precise and professional tone for technical documentation.