can be dragged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be dragged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing an object or element that has the capability to be moved or pulled along a surface. Example: "The file icon can be dragged to the desktop for easy access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Bilateral talks can be dragged out.

The Economist

A folder or folders can be dragged and dropped onto a filename.

Columbia University

A GScrollBar represents a horizontal or vertical scroll bar that can be dragged by the user.

Stanford University

Glyphs can be dragged from the font to the hold or work areas, or to another character in the font.

Harvard University

Like European nation-states, otherwise well-intentioned headphones can be dragged into chaos over relatively trivial matters.

The New York Times

Because of its good wheels, the truck will bounce down steps or can be dragged up them.

Independent

The cultural relevance of pageants, it seems, only spikes whenever they can be dragged through the mud.

The New York Times

These can be dragged and dropped into a "clip viewer" in the order desired for the final movie.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

These elements can be dragged-and-dropped into place on the website.

TechCrunch

Nice touches like prebuilt workout libraries that can be dragged-and-dropped onto athlete schedules are real-time savers.

TechCrunch

Bulbs can be drags and dropped into zones within the app.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactive user interfaces, use "can be dragged" to clearly indicate that elements are movable by the user.

Common error

While "can be dragged" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to emphasize the actor (e.g., "Users can drag the icon").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be dragged" functions as a passive construction indicating the ability of an object or element to be moved by pulling. Ludwig shows it is commonly used across various contexts to describe the manipulability of items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be dragged" is a versatile phrase used to describe the ability to move an object by pulling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields such as technology, science, and news media. It's particularly common in user interface descriptions, instructions, and technical specifications. Remember to avoid overusing passive voice and consider emphasizing the actor when appropriate. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to be pulled

This alternative directly replaces "dragged" with "pulled", maintaining the core meaning of movement by force.

can be moved by pulling

This version adds emphasis on the method of movement, specifying that the movement occurs by pulling.

is capable of being shifted

Replacing "dragged" with "shifted" suggests a slight adjustment in position rather than a complete relocation.

can be repositioned manually

This phrase highlights the manual aspect of the movement and the possibility of changing its position.

is able to be displaced

Using "displaced" emphasizes the removal of the object from its original location.

can be relocated by force

This alternative emphasizes the use of force in the relocation process.

is designed to be towed

Focuses on the design aspect, specifying that the object is intended for towing.

can be slid

Suggests a smooth movement across a surface, differentiating from a rougher drag.

may be drawn

Implies a controlled and deliberate movement, perhaps guided along a line.

can be hauled

Suggests a strenuous effort to move something heavy or bulky.

FAQs

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

Use "can be dragged" to describe an object's ability to be moved by pulling it. For example, "The image icon "can be dragged" to a different location on the screen".

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

Alternatives include "is movable", "can be pulled", or "is repositionable", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can be dragged and dropped"?

Yes, "can be dragged and dropped" is a common phrase, especially in the context of computer interfaces, indicating an object can be moved from one location to another.

What is the difference between "can be dragged" and "can be moved"?

"Can be moved" is a more general term indicating that an object is capable of being relocated. "Can be dragged" specifically implies movement by pulling something along a surface.