can be downsized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be downsized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the possibility of reducing the size, scale, or number of something, such as a company, project, or workforce. Example: "Due to budget constraints, the department can be downsized to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Zaha Hadid's Aquatics Centre will lose its wings and drop from 17,500 capacity to 2,500; a decision on the Olympic Stadium, which can be downsized to 25,000 seats, will be taken in October, and there is speculation that West Ham FC will be the new tenants.

The Guardian - Sport

This working principle does not need a mechanism to locate and fix the poppets and we expect that the device can be downsized.

ROBOMECH Journal

But Allison doesn't think the office can be downsized and still be effective because it was already having trouble keeping up with the work load.

Science Magazine

This paper addresses the question to what extent parallel-plate heat exchangers can be downsized without loss of thermal-hydraulic performance.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

This paper addresses the question to what extent parallel-plate cross-flow heat exchangers can be downsized without loss of thermal-hydraulic performance.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

The system captures excess power prior to electricity generation so that electrical components can be downsized for demand instead of supply.

Applied Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

KitKat lovers can eat happy in the knowledge that the chocolate bar will not be downsized to cut Brexit-related costs.

The Guardian - Business

The bearings are lightweight and enable machines and devices to be downsized by reducing the number of parts, since the journal and thrust loads can be supported by a pair of bearings.

Precision Engineering

India is also likely to be downsized.

The New York Times

Rio Paralympics to be downsized amid disappointing ticket sales.

The Guardian - Sport

Now it would be downsized but not defeated, and would regroup and rise once more.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be downsized" when referring to a potential reduction in size, scale, or workforce, particularly when discussing restructuring or efficiency improvements. For example, "The project scope can be downsized to meet the revised budget."

Common error

Avoid using "downsize" as a direct action verb without the "be". Incorrect: "We will downsize the team." Correct: "The team will be downsized."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be downsized" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility. It describes the potential for something to be reduced in size, scope, or number. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be downsized" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the potential for something to be reduced in size or scale. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and appropriate for various contexts. It is frequently found in science, news, and business domains. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "can be reduced in size" or "can be scaled down" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be mindful of using "downsize" directly as an action verb without the auxiliary "be". This phrase is versatile and useful in discussions about restructuring, planning, and adapting to constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be reduced in size

This alternative directly replaces "downsized" with a more descriptive phrase, focusing on physical dimensions.

can be scaled down

This alternative uses "scaled down", which implies a proportional reduction, often in scope or intensity.

can be made smaller

A simpler and more general way to express the same concept, suitable for less formal contexts.

can be decreased in scope

This alternative focuses on reducing the extent or range of something, such as a project or initiative.

is reducible

This is a more formal and concise way of saying that something can be reduced.

can be trimmed down

This implies reducing something by cutting away unnecessary parts.

can be contracted

This suggests a decrease in size or extent, often used in business or economic contexts.

can be lessened

A more general term that suggests a reduction in any aspect, not just size.

can be abbreviated

Implies shortening the length, duration, or extent of something.

can be diminished

Suggests a reduction in importance, influence, or power, rather than physical size.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be downsized" to indicate the possibility of reducing the size or scale of something. For example, "The department "can be downsized" to improve efficiency", or "The stadium "can be downsized" after the event".

What are some alternatives to "can be downsized"?

Some alternatives include "can be reduced in size", "can be scaled down", or "can be made smaller", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the company downsized" instead of "the company was downsized"?

While "the company downsized" is commonly used, it's more grammatically accurate to say "the company was downsized" because it uses the passive voice, clearly indicating that the company was the recipient of the action. However, the active voice "the company downsized" implies the company took the action of downsizing, usually meaning laying off employees or reducing its operations.

What's the difference between "can be downsized" and "can be streamlined"?

"Can be downsized" refers specifically to reducing size or scale, while "can be streamlined" refers to making something more efficient and effective, often by removing unnecessary steps or processes. They are related but not interchangeable; a process can be streamlined without being downsized, and vice versa.