can be discerned

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be discerned" is a perfectly acceptable phrase and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: The amount of progress that has been made in the project can be discerned from the results of the latest reviews.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The difference can be discerned in pensions.

The Guardian

A clear oppositional culture can be discerned.

The Guardian

Two flame propagation regimes can be discerned.

Combustion and Flame

Only his total earnings through his company can be discerned.

The Guardian

No angel, Jewish or otherwise, can be discerned in it.

The New York Times - Arts

A number of trends in modern poetry can be discerned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Behind the scenes, a more significant trend can be discerned.

The Economist

Two different methodological approaches to benchmarking can be discerned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Picasso's profile can be discerned in the blue background.

The New York Times

Sometimes a person's race can be discerned only by studying the tax assessed on nonwhites.

The New York Times

As was the case a century ago, seeds of change can be discerned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be discerned" when you want to emphasize the possibility of discovering or understanding something through careful observation or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "can be discerned" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "can be seen" or "can be noticed" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be discerned" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of perceiving or understanding something that may not be immediately obvious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be discerned" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to indicate that something is perceptible through careful observation or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While its usage is generally neutral to formal, it is advisable to avoid overuse in very informal settings. Alternatives like "can be detected" or "can be observed" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Understanding the nuances of this phrase can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be detected

Focuses more on the act of noticing or finding something, often implying something previously hidden.

can be identified

Implies a more precise recognition or categorization of something.

can be recognized

Similar to 'identified' but emphasizes a prior familiarity or expectation.

can be observed

Highlights the act of watching or noticing something, often in a scientific or methodical way.

can be perceived

Emphasizes sensory awareness or intuitive understanding.

can be understood

Focuses on mental comprehension and grasping the meaning of something.

can be ascertained

Implies a more formal or investigative process of finding something out.

can be determined

Suggests a more decisive or conclusive finding after some analysis.

can be noticed

A more general term for something becoming apparent or attracting attention.

is apparent

Indicates that something is easily visible or obvious.

FAQs

How to use "can be discerned" in a sentence?

Use "can be discerned" when you want to highlight that something is not immediately obvious but is discoverable through careful observation or analysis. For example, "A subtle difference "can be discerned" between the two paintings".

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

You can use alternatives like "can be detected", "can be identified", or "can be observed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be discerned" or "can discern"?

"Can discern" implies the ability to distinguish or perceive directly, while "can be discerned" suggests that something is able to be perceived or distinguished by someone. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the ability to perceive or the quality of being perceivable.

What's the difference between "can be discerned" and "can be seen"?

"Can be seen" implies visual observation and is generally more straightforward. "Can be discerned", on the other hand, suggests a more subtle or complex perception that requires careful attention or analysis. For example: "Subtle nuances "can be discerned" in his later works", while "The tower "can be seen" from miles away".