can be earned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be earned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something, such as a reward or achievement, is attainable through effort or actions. Example: "With hard work and dedication, respect can be earned over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most of our certificates can be earned completely online.

Harvard University

The probability of malpractice increases with the profits that can be earned through opportunistic behavior.

Food Policy

A certificate can be earned after four courses, each of which costs about $3,000.

The New York Times

Additional points can be earned for every dollar spent after that.

The New York Times

Coding credits to upgrade their bot can be earned and/or bought via in-app purchase.

The Guardian - Tech

There is no limit on the number of free nights that can be earned.

The New York Times - Travel

The bottom line for small farmers is the extra money that can be earned from SRI.

The Guardian

Face, like money, can be earned, lost, given, or taken away.

Harvard Business Review

Regis University has a Master of Nonprofit Management degree that can be earned completely online.

The New York Times

More DWPeas can be earned for further developing either their own suggestion or those of colleagues.

The Guardian

Millions more can be earned in breeding fees after the thoroughbred is retired from racing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be earned" to clearly communicate that something is achievable through specific actions or qualities. For instance, "Respect can be earned through consistent honesty and fairness."

Common error

Avoid using "can be earned" when the subject is not actively involved in the earning process. For example, instead of saying "A promotion can be earned", clarify who is doing the earning and how: "Employees can earn a promotion by exceeding their performance goals."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be earned" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the possibility of obtaining something, typically a benefit or reward, through effort, action, or specific qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be earned" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression indicating that something is attainable through effort or merit. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and widely used. Its occurrence spans various contexts, from news and media to academia and science. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the active involvement of the subject in the earning process. For alternatives, consider "may be obtained" or "is achievable" to fine-tune the meaning. Remember to focus on clarity and precision in your writing to effectively communicate the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is possible to earn

Rephrases to highlight the possibility of earning.

can be gained

Emphasizes the act of gaining something, replacing "earned" with "gained".

may be obtained

Replaces "can" with "may" and "earned" with "obtained", suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty.

could be acquired

Substitutes "can" with "could" and "earned" with "acquired", indicating a potential to gain something.

might be secured

Indicates a possibility of gaining with some level of confidence, replacing "can" with "might" and "earned" with "secured".

is achievable

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, focusing on the attainability of something.

is attainable

Similar to 'is achievable', but emphasizes the accessibility of the goal.

are obtainable

Highlights something that exists and can be attained.

can be won

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of achieving something, replacing "earned" with "won".

is within reach

Suggests that something is close enough to be obtained with effort.

FAQs

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

Use "can be earned" to express that something is attainable through effort or specific actions. For instance, "Trust "can be earned" over time with consistent honesty".

What are some alternatives to saying "can be earned"?

You can use phrases like "may be obtained", "is achievable", or "can be gained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "can be earned" or "must be earned"?

"Can be earned" suggests possibility through effort, while "must be earned" implies a requirement or condition. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting potential or necessity.

What's the difference between "can be earned" and "is deserved"?

"Can be earned" focuses on the process of achieving something, whereas "is deserved" suggests a right or just reward, often based on merit or prior actions.