can be drafted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be drafted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the possibility of creating or preparing a document, plan, or piece of writing. Example: "The proposal can be drafted by the end of the week if we all contribute our ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

can be drafted: until they reach age 26.

The New York Times

Mr Wheeler also hopes that internet-service providers can be drafted into the fight.

The Economist

As members of a commonwealth, Puerto Ricans hold American citizenship and can be drafted.

The New York Times

But until a new formula for section 4 can be drafted in Congress, it is rendered ineffective.

The Guardian

Mr. McGreevey has also said that he expects that compromise legislation can be drafted over the next week or so.

The New York Times

Quite possibly, the administration wants to ban gay marriage so that gay men can be drafted to marry T.A.N.F.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Computing all correlation parameters listed in table 2 for all space points, for temperature and humidity data, graphs containing the data referring to all vectors can be draft.

Chemistry Central Journal

Legislation can best be drafted and cases tried most fairly only when all pertinent facts are made available to those charged with legislation or maintenance of the peace.

Cornell University

Line work can also be drafted or scribed automatically by the same process, but the respective features must first be coded to provide the necessary input tapes.

Britannica

However, only respondents aged 18 years or older are included in the analysis, because an advance directive on euthanasia can only be drafted by people older than 18.

BMC Palliative Care

N.B.A. scouts have told New Mexico Coach Ritchie McKay that Granger can expect to be drafted in the middle or latter stages of the first round.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In the context of military service, using "can be drafted" clearly indicates the possibility of being conscripted into the armed forces. Consider the audience when choosing this term as it carries a specific connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "can be drafted" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "can be written" or "can be created" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a formal tone that may sound out of place in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be drafted" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability for something or someone to be drafted. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be drafted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, indicating the possibility of creating formal documents or the potential for being selected, particularly in military contexts. As Ludwig confirms, it is appropriate for various registers, though most commonly found in news and media. While versatile, consider the formality of the situation, as less formal options might sometimes be a better fit. The phrase is widely supported by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, reflecting its reliable usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to be written

Emphasizes the ability to create a written piece, focusing on the writing aspect.

is capable of being formulated

Highlights the capacity for something to be carefully created or prepared, often used in more formal contexts.

may be composed

Suggests a possibility of something being created, especially in artistic or formal contexts.

could be prepared

Focuses on the preparation aspect, indicating readiness or arrangement for something.

can be composed

Emphasizes the action of creating something from constituent parts.

is subject to conscription

Specifically related to military drafting, highlighting the obligation to serve.

is liable to be called up

Suggests a potential obligation or requirement to be summoned or enlisted, often in a military context.

can be enlisted

Emphasizes the possibility of being enrolled or recruited for a specific purpose.

is available for selection

Highlights the readiness and eligibility for someone or something to be chosen.

can be recruited

Focuses on the act of enlisting or bringing someone into a group or organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be drafted" to indicate the possibility of creating a document or being selected for military service. For example, "The contract "can be drafted" by the lawyer" or "Citizens "can be drafted" into the army".

What are some alternatives to "can be drafted"?

Alternatives include "can be written", "can be composed", or "can be prepared", depending on the context. For military contexts, consider "is subject to conscription".

Is it appropriate to use "can be drafted" in both formal and informal contexts?

While grammatically correct in both, "can be drafted" is more suited for formal contexts such as legal or military discussions. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "can be created" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "can be drafted" and "can be written"?

"Can be drafted" implies a more formal and structured creation process, often associated with legal or official documents, or military conscription. "Can be written" is more general and applies to any form of written content.