can be detached

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be detached" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has the ability to be separated or removed from another object or system. Example: "The battery can be detached from the device for easy replacement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To pretend that human beings can be detached from emotional responses like this is ridiculous.

HuffPost

Just after is when interpretation can be detached from the thing interpreted.

The New Yorker

The knot can be detached simply by lifting it off the object.

Britannica

If Britain can be detached that would help derail the war drive.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Watches can be detached from their original bands and attached to the cuffs by a jeweler).

The New York Times - Style

The motor transmits energy to the rear wheel, and the battery can be detached for recharging.

The New York Times

However, due to the implantation process, these coatings can be detached from the metal surface.

Materials & Design

Each hut has a floating fiberglass tub that can be detached for delta drifting and other aquatic adventures.

The New York Times - Arts

The pack can be detached from the car's underside and a fresh one bolted on in minutes.

The Economist

Individual packs can be detached and carried outside home by patients according to their needs and can also function as a tangible reminder.

Harvard Business Review

As such, the symbolic dimension of instituting or strengthening a law can be detached from the possibility of its enforcement without losing its credibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be detached", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being detached from what. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be detached" without specifying the subject. For example, instead of saying "It can be detached", specify what "it" refers to. This improves sentence clarity and reduces confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be detached" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability for something to be separated from something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase describes the designed functionality of objects or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be detached" is a versatile modal passive construction used to describe the ability of something to be separated from something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various fields like news, science, and general writing. This phrase indicates a design or feature allowing for easy separation, enhancing modularity or flexibility. While broadly applicable, attention to context is crucial to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "is removable" or "is detachable" can be considered for conciseness. To prevent ambiguity, specifying the subject is vital for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is removable

Focuses on the property of being able to remove something.

is detachable

Highlights the designed feature of being detachable.

may be disconnected

Emphasizes the potential for disconnection, using "may" to suggest possibility.

can be separated

Stresses the act of separation as a possibility.

can be uncoupled

Uses a more technical term, "uncoupled", suggesting a formal disconnection.

can be unfastened

Implies that something held together by a fastener is able to be released.

is capable of being detached

Adds a layer of formality, emphasizing the capability for detachment.

allows for detachment

Shifts the focus to the design or system that permits detachment.

can be disengaged

Suggests a mechanism is present that allows for the parts to be separated.

is designed to be removed

Focuses on the intentional design aspect that allows for removal.

FAQs

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

Use "can be detached" to describe an object or component that is designed to be easily separated from a larger system. For example, "The solar panel "can be detached" for maintenance".

What are some alternatives to "can be detached"?

Alternatives include "is removable", "is detachable", or "can be separated", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "detachable" or "can be detached"?

While both are correct, "detachable" is a more concise adjective. Use "detachable" when describing a designed feature (e.g., "detachable lens"), and "can be detached" when describing a potential action (e.g., "the lens "can be detached" by the user").

What does "can be detached" imply about a design?

It implies that the design incorporates a feature that allows a component to be easily separated or removed, often for maintenance, replacement, or modularity.