can be dismissed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be dismissed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is not worthy of consideration or can be disregarded. Example: "The argument presented was weak and can be dismissed without further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The possibility can be dismissed immediately.

The Economist

So no possibility can be dismissed.

The New York Times

These can be dismissed out of hand.

The New York Times

The certificates can be dismissed as local, bureaucratic pomp.

The New York Times

Not all of this can be dismissed as amateurish twaddle.

The Economist

A tight Game 1 for A-Rod can be dismissed.

The New York Times - Sports

Panel members can be dismissed at any time.

The New York Times

Normally these events can be dismissed as self-serving contrivances.

The New York Times - Sports

None of them can be dismissed as complete fantasy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whatever contracts that are burdensome or excessively skewed can be dismissed.

Columbia University

This is different from merely negative feedback, which can be dismissed.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be dismissed", ensure the context clearly indicates why the subject is being disregarded. Providing a brief explanation strengthens your argument and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "can be dismissed" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be dismissed" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is capable of being disregarded or deemed unimportant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be dismissed" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is not worth considering. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring clarity and avoiding overuse of passive voice. Knowing when "can be ignored" or "can be overlooked" could be appropriate alternatives will also strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be disregarded

Replaces "dismissed" with a more neutral term, implying a lack of importance or relevance.

can be ignored

Suggests a conscious choice not to pay attention to something, rather than a judgment of its worth.

can be discounted

Implies reducing the value or importance of something.

can be overlooked

Implies something is missed or not noticed, rather than actively rejected.

can be brushed aside

Suggests a quick and perhaps dismissive rejection of something.

is not worth considering

A more explicit statement that something lacks merit or importance.

can be rejected

Indicates a stronger, more active refusal to accept something.

does not warrant attention

Similar to "is not worth considering", but emphasizes the lack of need for focus.

can be set aside

Suggests temporarily putting something aside, potentially for later consideration, but not necessarily dismissing it entirely.

is not applicable

Indicates that something isn't relevant or appropriate to a particular situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be dismissed" to indicate that something is not worthy of consideration. For instance, "The evidence is insufficient and "can be dismissed"".

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

Alternatives include "can be ignored", "can be overlooked", or "can be rejected", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "can be dismissed" or "should be dismissed"?

"Can be dismissed" implies a possibility or permissibility, while "should be dismissed" suggests a recommendation or obligation. The choice depends on whether you're describing a potential action or advocating for a specific course of action.

What's the difference between "can be dismissed" and "is dismissed"?

"Can be dismissed" indicates something has the potential to be disregarded. "Is dismissed" means the action has already occurred. For example, "That concern "can be dismissed"" suggests it's possible, while "That concern is dismissed" confirms it's been rejected.