can be devoted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be devoted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for someone or something to be dedicated or committed to a particular cause, task, or purpose. Example: "Time and resources can be devoted to improving community services for those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When marketing a new hamburger, however, months can be devoted to hooking people.

The New York Times

"Some of that money can be devoted to deficit reduction," Mr. Obama told reporters.

The New York Times

They lower future economic growth by reducing the level of national savings that can be devoted to productive investments.

The New York Times

With no real battles to fight, excessive screen time can be devoted to tales of trivial consumption.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The only other solutions are to try to find a way to increase income or reduce expenses so that more money can be devoted to repaying the debt.

The New York Times

In other words, time is gained for activities that deserve it, and full concentration can be devoted to these activities for a longer period of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This squeezes the share of federal revenue that can be devoted to domestic discretionary programs — stuff like education, welfare, infrastructure, etc.

The New York Times

Woolf obviously writes beautifully but a whole page can be devoted to accessing someone's bearing or interpreting a slightly haughty look.

The Guardian - Books

Biography is huge at the moment; swathes of rainforest trashed so that pages of print can be devoted to peripheral lives.

The Guardian - Books

Only half of the building's 25,000 square feet can be devoted to gallery space; offices, storage and a gift shop occupy the rest.

The New York Times

It is a tribute to the respect that the designer receives from his collaborators that an entire room can be devoted to the costume work done for ballet, television and film, especially with the Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be devoted", clearly state what is being devoted and to what purpose. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While "can be devoted" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing the sentence in the active voice for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be devoted" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the potential for something to be allocated or dedicated to a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be devoted" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of allocating resources, time, or effort to a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, specify what is being devoted and to what purpose. While the phrase is generally suitable, be mindful of overuse of the passive voice. Consider alternative phrases like "can be dedicated" or "can be allocated" for nuanced variations. This phrase sees frequent use in authoritative sources such as "The New York Times" and "The Guardian", and its high frequency confirms its mainstream acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be dedicated

Emphasizes commitment and purpose in allocating something.

can be allocated

Focuses on the distribution of resources to a specific purpose.

can be directed toward

Highlights the act of aiming resources or efforts at a specific goal.

can be applied to

Emphasizes the practical use or implementation of something for a specific purpose.

can be assigned

Highlights the act of designating something for a particular task or person.

can be set aside for

Suggests reserving something specifically for a future use or purpose.

can be reserved for

Highlights the act of keeping something available for a specific, often exclusive, use.

can be channeled

Implies directing resources or efforts towards a specific outcome.

can be given over to

Suggests a complete handover or dedication to a specific purpose.

can be apportioned

Focuses on dividing and distributing resources proportionally.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be devoted" indicates that something has the potential to be dedicated or allocated to a specific purpose. For example, "More time "can be devoted" to research once the initial setup is complete."

What phrases are similar to "can be devoted"?

Similar phrases include "can be dedicated", "can be allocated", or "can be assigned", each carrying a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is "can be devoted" formal or informal?

The phrase "can be devoted" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately.

What's the difference between "can be devoted" and "must be devoted"?

"Can be devoted" suggests a possibility or potential for dedication, while "must be devoted" implies a necessity or obligation. The choice depends on whether you want to express a potential action or a required one.