can be earmarked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be earmarked" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something can be designated or set aside for a specific purpose or use. Example: "The funds from the donation can be earmarked for community development projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Both current use and endowed gifts can be earmarked for a specific fund, including our Fellowship program.

Harvard University

Jewelry, art or antique furniture can be earmarked or itemized in a will, but knickknacks might have emotional value.

The New York Times

This would balance the demand for more energy with a built-in incentive for cleaner energy while providing revenues that can be earmarked for environmental remediation.

The New York Times

Items on the list can be earmarked and added to a shopping list as a reminder to purchase in the future.

Wikipedia

Some taxes can be earmarked for a particular purpose.

Human Resources for Health

Tax increases not only reduce consumption, particularly among poor and young people [ 62], they also increase government revenue, which can be earmarked for further tobacco control measures.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Since earmark requests are due by mid-March, some representatives have put up online forms so constituents and lobbyists can suggest projects to be earmarked.

Huffington Post

Can they use resources that may be earmarked for on-going projects, expecting them to be reimbursed?

The Guardian

$50 million will be earmarked for mobile game developers.

TechCrunch

Craigiehall Camp would be earmarked for disposal.

Wikipedia

"He's a Formula 1 world champion, which is what one day I also hope to become, and I'm determined to learn as much as I can from him". Mexican Perez, 23, was earmarked as a long-term replacement for Hamilton but leaves the team after just one season.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or contractual documents, "can be earmarked" can prevent ambiguity regarding resource allocation, making the agreement more enforceable.

Common error

Avoid using "can be earmarked" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "set aside" or "reserved" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be earmarked" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that something is capable of being designated or set aside for a particular purpose. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase indicates the possibility of allocation. Examples in Ludwig show it being applied to funds, resources, and even physical locations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be earmarked" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the possibility of designating something for a specific purpose. Ludwig's analysis confirms this. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts, signifying a level of formality. While it effectively communicates the potential allocation of resources, simpler alternatives should be considered for informal settings. Using "can be earmarked" correctly ensures clarity and precision, especially in situations requiring accountability and transparency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be allocated

Replaces "earmarked" with "allocated", focusing on the action of assigning resources.

can be designated

Uses "designated" instead of "earmarked", highlighting the act of specifying a purpose.

may be set aside

Emphasizes the action of reserving something for a specific use.

can be reserved

Similar to "set aside", but more formally conveys the idea of keeping something available for a particular purpose.

might be allocated

Introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding the allocation.

could be assigned

Suggests possibility of assignment, often used when the final decision is not yet made.

can be allocated specifically

Highlights the specific nature of the allocation.

can be devoted

Implies that the resource will be fully used for the intended purpose.

can be dedicated

Similar to "devoted", conveying a strong sense of commitment to the specified purpose.

may be consigned

Suggests assigning something for a specific purpose, and has almost the same meaning.

FAQs

How to use "can be earmarked" in a sentence?

Use "can be earmarked" to specify that something is able to be designated for a specific purpose. For example, "The funds can be earmarked for community development projects."

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

You can use alternatives like "may be allocated", "can be designated", or "can be reserved" depending on the context.

Is "can be earmarked" formal or informal?

"Can be earmarked" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or official contexts. For informal situations, consider using simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "can be earmarked" and "can be designated"?

While both phrases indicate setting something aside for a specific purpose, "can be earmarked" often implies a more formal or official allocation, whereas "can be designated" is a more general term for specifying a purpose.