can be devolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be devolved" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts discussing the transfer of power, responsibilities, or functions from a higher authority to a lower one, such as in government or organizational structures. Example: "The decision-making authority can be devolved to local councils to enhance community engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In a well-developed skill-mix team responsibility can be devolved from dentists and therapists to dental nurses with enhanced training.

Nature

A worrying European paradox The perils of devolution Theory and practice Ex-reds head for the bed ReprintsNowadays almost everything that can be devolved to the regions has been.

The Economist

It called for the improvement of information sharing with local authorities - and urged ministers to set out how funding and powers can be devolved to councils after Brexit.

BBC

Trust (2): The ubiquity of digital means that communication around topics and policy can be devolved to those who are expert in the issue, rather than expert in communications.

Huffington Post

In the context of hospitals, governing boards have been recommended as mechanisms by which strategic planning, financial management, and human resource management can be devolved from central authorities to local communities and provider organizations [ 4].

BMC Health Services Research

In order for a policy to empower its constituents, the voice of the affected population must be heard, through active and effective participation; implementation can be devolved to the peripheral level, promoting community ownership and involvement (8, 16).

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But a great many issues currently decided in Washington can well be devolved to lower levels of government, at least to a large degree.

The Washington Post

There will be resistance to the proposal if Osborne continues to insist that powers can only be devolved to authorities in a combined region that accept an elected mayor.

The Guardian

For example, a division manager who hires or fires an employee can instantly update that employee's access privileges, rather than having to ask the systems department to make changes to a number of separate systems.Responsibility for security can thus be devolved to managers and form part of their everyday management duties.

The Economist

… We have to settle that question, a question that arises because there is an SNP majority in Scotland … before then going on and asking, I think quite legitimately, is there more that we can do to improve the devolved settlement, are there other powers that could be devolved, how can we make the United Kingdom work better?

The Guardian

Tax powers need to be devolved so Wales can have a "proper democracy", the assembly's former presiding officer has said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "can be devolved", ensure that the context clearly indicates the entity from which the power or responsibility is being transferred and the entity to which it is being transferred. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "can be devolved" when referring to tasks or responsibilities that are inherently individual and non-transferable. Devolution typically applies to powers, functions, or resources within organizations or governmental structures, not personal attributes or skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be devolved" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility of transferring power or responsibility. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in contexts where authority is shifted from a central entity to a local one.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be devolved" signifies that authority or responsibility is eligible for transfer from a central entity to a subordinate one. As confirmed by Ludwig, this passive construction is grammatically sound and most commonly found within news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "can be delegated" or "can be transferred", offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. It’s crucial to ensure that the context clearly specifies both the source and destination of the power when using "can be devolved". While Ludwig identifies limited examples, the phrase maintains relevance across various domains, particularly when discussing governance, policy, or organizational restructurings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be delegated

Focuses on assigning responsibility to another party.

can be transferred

Emphasizes the act of moving something from one place to another.

can be decentralized

Highlights the distribution of power away from a central authority.

can be assigned

Similar to delegated, but can also imply assigning tasks.

can be handed over

Informal way to express transferring responsibility.

can be passed down

Implies a transfer within a hierarchy, often from higher to lower.

can be shifted

Highlights movement or a change in location of power or duty.

can be entrusted

Focuses on the aspect of giving someone responsibility with trust.

can be consigned

Suggests formally assigning something.

can be remitted

Refers to sending money or transferring a case for further action.

FAQs

What does "can be devolved" mean?

The phrase "can be devolved" means that a power, responsibility, or function can be transferred or delegated from a central authority to a local or subordinate entity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be devolved"?

It is appropriate to use "can be devolved" when discussing the distribution of authority or responsibilities within a structured organization or government. For example, "Decision-making can be devolved to regional managers".

What are some alternatives to "can be devolved"?

Alternatives to "can be devolved" include "can be delegated", "can be transferred", or "can be decentralized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does devolution relate to decentralization?

Devolution is a type of decentralization where specific powers are legally granted to subordinate entities, making them responsible for their actions within the devolved scope.