can be dug

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be dug" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to be excavated or unearthed, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The site can be dug to reveal ancient artifacts buried beneath the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Whale bones can be dug up in the Sahara.

The New York Times - Science

In-game currencies such as emeralds can be dug up and traded.

Independent

A coal-bed methane well can be dug for about $90,000.

The New York Times

Then the rhizomes and tubers can be dug up, wrapped in newspaper and stored in boxes.

The New York Times

These radishes can be dug up from autumn onwards and will store for several weeks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Filed in November, the complaint shows what kinds of revealing material can be dug up by determined investigators.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Or you can be digging up "everything crawly," as Dr. Greene puts it.

The New York Times

You can be digging a well in Leogane in the morning and be telling the tale in Manhattan in the evening.

The New York Times

"This will deliver better returns for the resources that all Australians own and that can only be dug up once.

The New York Times

"It can still be dug up whenever anyone demands it," said Norman Carol, the orchestra's concertmaster from 1966 to 1994.

The New York Times - Arts

What can now be dug out and energetically promoted is a trail of thinktank papers and pamphlets that explored the ground of a Lib-Con convergence long before anyone thought it feasible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be dug", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being dug and the purpose of the digging. For instance, specify whether it's a physical object, information, or a metaphorical concept.

Common error

Avoid using "can be dug" in contexts where a different verb like "mined", "excavated", or "retrieved" would be more appropriate to describe the specific type of digging or extraction involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be dug" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility or potential for something to be excavated or unearthed. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be dug" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction that indicates the potential for excavation or uncovering. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in various contexts. While "can be dug" is appropriate for general usage, choosing more specific verbs like "excavated" or "retrieved" might improve clarity in certain situations. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, followed by wiki and scientific articles, and maintains a neutral to professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to be excavated

Replaces "can" with "is able to", focusing on the capability of excavation.

can be unearthed

Substitutes "dug" with "unearthed", emphasizing the act of uncovering something hidden.

can be excavated

Uses the formal term "excavated" instead of "dug".

is available for digging

Focuses on the availability of a site or resource for digging activities.

can be retrieved

Emphasizes the act of recovering something through digging.

is suitable for excavation

Highlights the suitability of a location or material for digging.

can be disinterred

Employs the formal word "disinterred", often associated with exhuming bodies.

is possible to dig

Rephrases the phrase to focus on the possibility of digging.

can be mined

Uses "mined", implying a more industrial or large-scale digging operation.

can be extracted

Emphasizes the process of removing something from the ground.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be dug" to describe something that has the potential to be excavated or unearthed. For example: "The site "can be dug" to reveal ancient artifacts." or "Information "can be dug" up with enough research".

What is a good alternative to "can be dug"?

Depending on the context, suitable alternatives include "can be excavated", "can be unearthed", or "can be retrieved". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "can be dug" versus "can be excavated"?

"Can be dug" is more informal and general, suitable for everyday contexts. "Can be excavated" is more formal and often used in archaeological or construction contexts.

Is "can be dug up" the same as "can be dug"?

While similar, "can be dug up" often implies a more thorough or investigative process of uncovering something. "Can be dug" is a more neutral statement about the possibility of excavation.