can be done

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be done" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express the possibility of something being completed, or to express an obligation. For example: "This task can be done in two days." or "This project must be done by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

More can be done.

The New York Times

This can be done.

The New Yorker

Because it can be done".

The New York Times

So it can be done.

The New York Times - Sports

This can be done again.

The New York Times

It can be done, though.

The Economist

Yes, it can be done".

The Economist

What more can be done?

The New York Times

Still, it can be done.

The New York Times - Sports

What, then, can be done?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It can be doing anything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be done", ensure the context clearly specifies what 'it' refers to. For instance, instead of saying simply "It can be done", specify "The project can be done by Friday."

Common error

Avoid using "can be done" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. This can lead to confusion. Instead of "It can be done, but it's difficult", specify, "The repair can be done, but it's difficult".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be done" functions primarily as a modal construction expressing possibility or feasibility. Ludwig AI shows that this construction is widely used to indicate that something is achievable or capable of being accomplished. This often appears in declarative statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be done" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility and feasibility across a variety of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in News & Media, Formal & Business, Wiki and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what "it" refers to for clarity. Consider alternatives like "is achievable" or "is feasible" to add nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is achievable

Focuses on the attainability of a goal or task.

is feasible

Highlights the practicality and workability of an action.

is possible

Emphasizes the potential for something to occur or be accomplished.

is viable

Suggests that something is capable of succeeding or functioning effectively.

can be realized

Highlights that something is capable of becoming real or actual.

can be implemented

Focuses on the ability to put a plan or system into effect.

is within reach

Emphasizes that something is attainable with current resources or effort.

is manageable

Suggests that something can be controlled or handled without overwhelming difficulty.

is within the realm of possibility

Expresses a more formal way to highlight that something might happen or is doable.

is not out of the question

Indicates that something is possible, although perhaps unlikely.

FAQs

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

Use "can be done" to express possibility or capability. For example, "The task "can be done" if we allocate more resources".

What are some alternatives to "can be done"?

You can use alternatives like "is achievable", "is feasible", or "is possible" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can be do" instead of "can be done"?

No, "can be do" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""can be done"", where "done" is the past participle of the verb "do".

What does "can be done" imply?

"Can be done" implies that a task or goal is within the realm of possibility and that there are no insurmountable obstacles preventing its completion.