can be diverted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be diverted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of redirecting something, such as attention, resources, or traffic, away from its original path or purpose. Example: "The river can be diverted to prevent flooding in the nearby town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chimney steam can be diverted to heat greenhouses.

The Guardian

But up to 100 percent of torque can be diverted to the rear wheels.

The New York Times

The compact sets the amount of water that can be diverted, not consumed.

The New York Times

The hydrogen can be diverted to a turbine where it can be burned to produce electricity.

The Guardian

Participants pointed out that savings on bank charges can be diverted into the charity's objectives.

The Guardian

However the flow is blocked, the mud can be diverted into a separate line with a valve called a choke.

The New York Times - Science

And it calls for stronger safeguards to reduce the likelihood that peaceful nuclear weapons programmes can be diverted to a weapons programme - that peaceful nuclear programmes can be diverted to a weapons programme.

The Guardian

Oil can be shipped anywhere, and tankers can be diverted rapidly from one country to another if demand patterns change.

The New York Times

Trans-polar flights (such as those from Europe to America) can be diverted southwards if a big solar flare hits.

The Economist

The swimming pool has a special pump and an independent generator so that its water can be diverted for firefighting.

The New York Times

If enough pressure can be brought to bear, whatever plans they have can be diverted or amended a little bit".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be diverted", ensure the context clearly indicates the original path or purpose from which something is being redirected. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be diverted" in excessively complex sentences where multiple diversions or redirections are described. Simplify the sentence structure or use more specific verbs to clarify each individual redirection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be diverted" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of redirecting or altering the course of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, supporting its acceptability in formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be diverted" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the possibility of redirecting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific publications, this phrase effectively conveys the potential for resources, attention, or physical entities to change course. While it's suitable for general use, writers should be mindful of sentence complexity and ensure clear indication of the original path to avoid ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider options like "can be redirected" or "can be rerouted", adjusting for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be redirected

Emphasizes a change in direction or course, similar to "diverted" but more straightforward.

can be shifted

Implies a movement or transfer from one place or state to another.

can be rerouted

Specifically implies changing a route or pathway, often used in contexts like traffic or data.

can be transferred

Focuses on the act of moving something from one entity to another.

can be repurposed

Focuses on finding a new purpose for something that already exists, highlighting a shift in function.

can be allocated

Highlights the act of assigning something for a particular purpose.

can be channeled

Suggests directing something into a specific course or path, often with the implication of control.

can be designated

Emphasizes the act of officially assigning something for a specific use.

can be converted

Indicates transforming something into a different form or substance, implying a more fundamental change.

can be adapted

Suggests modifying something to suit new conditions or purposes.

FAQs

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

"Can be diverted" is used to indicate that something is capable of being redirected or turned aside from its original course or purpose. For example, "The river "can be diverted" to irrigate the fields".

What's a good alternative to "can be diverted"?

Alternatives to "can be diverted" include "can be redirected", "can be rerouted", or "can be shifted", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "could be diverted" instead of "can be diverted"?

Yes, "could be diverted" is also correct. "Can" indicates a possibility, while "could" suggests a conditional possibility or a more tentative option. The choice depends on the desired level of certainty.

What is the difference between "can be diverted" and "must be diverted"?

"Can be diverted" indicates that there is a possibility of something being redirected, while "must be diverted" implies that it is necessary or obligatory to redirect something. The choice depends on the context and the degree of necessity.