can be driven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be driven" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is capable of being driven or manipulated. For example, "This car can be driven on both manual and automatic transmission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The fact that it can be driven away — that's important.

The New York Times - Arts

It can be driven by those in charge.

The Washington Post

Its tires are worn, but it still can be driven.

The New York Times - Travel

Philanthropy can be driven by the very worst and the very best motivations.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a nice soundbite, although of course you can be driven by principles and chauffeurs.

The Guardian

Less pristine cars that can be driven every day sell for about $25,000.

The New York Times

In fact, it seems that their existence in the UK can be driven by female consumers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Policing will fail because voters, as much as candidates, can be driven by emotion.

The New Yorker

The entire loop can be driven in a day if you don't linger.

The New York Times - Travel

–How does the suspension system affect how fast and steady a car can be driven?

The New York Times

But in Call of Cthulhu, you can be driven out of your wits by your experiences.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be driven" to describe a vehicle, consider specifying the driving conditions or limitations, such as "can be driven off-road" or "can be driven with a special license".

Common error

Avoid using "can be driven by itself" without specifying what is doing the driving. For example, instead of saying "The system can be driven", specify "The system can be driven by user input."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be driven" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or capability of something being operated or influenced. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. It highlights that an external force or agent is able to perform the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be driven" is a grammatically sound and versatile passive construction, widely used to express the potential or capability of something to be operated, controlled, or influenced. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the agent or force doing the driving. Consider alternatives like "is capable of being driven" or "may be driven" to adjust the nuance. Understanding these points will enhance your writing and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is capable of being driven

Replaces "can be" with "is capable of being", emphasizing the potential or ability.

is able to be driven

Uses "is able to be" instead of "can be", focusing on the possibility based on ability.

may be driven

Replaces "can" with "may", indicating possibility or permission.

could be driven

Uses "could" instead of "can", suggesting a conditional or hypothetical possibility.

is designed to be driven

Highlights the intended design or purpose for being driven.

is intended to be driven

Similar to "designed to be driven", but emphasizes intention.

can be operated

Replaces "driven" with "operated", broadening the context to include various types of machinery.

can be influenced

Shifts the meaning from physical driving to being influenced or controlled.

can be motivated

Focuses on the aspect of being motivated or inspired.

can be controlled

Emphasizes the aspect of being controlled or managed.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be driven" to describe something's ability to be controlled or influenced. For example, "This car "can be driven" manually or automatically", or "Emotions "can be driven" by stress".

What phrases are similar to "can be driven"?

Similar phrases include "is capable of being driven", "is able to be driven", or "may be driven". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be drive" instead of "can be driven"?

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

What's the difference between "can be driven" and "can drive"?

"Can be driven" is in the passive voice, indicating that something is capable of being driven by someone or something else. "Can drive" is in the active voice, indicating the ability to perform the action of driving.