can be emptied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be emptied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the ability of an object or container to be cleared of its contents. Example: "The trash bin can be emptied once a week to maintain cleanliness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Right now, seed pods can be emptied of their orange seeds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Filing cabinets can be emptied, the data kept, the paper gone.

The New York Times

They have solved the sewage problem, installing the necessary plumbing and a cesspool that can be emptied regularly.

The New York Times

Durham Cathedral Durham Cathedral awes film makers with its scale and cavernous interiors that can be emptied and used to breathtaking effect.

Independent

Once the polls are closed, prisons can be emptied again and reforms quietly dropped.With both presidential and parliamentary elections looming in the autumn, this cycle looked set to repeat itself.

The Economist

TOKYO — Tens of thousands of gallons of radioactive water leaked from a large underground storage pool at Japan's crippled nuclear plant, and thousands more gallons could seep out before the faulty pool can be emptied, the plant's operator said Saturday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It can be emptying the dishwasher, cleaning out your pencil drawer, making the bed, folding clothes, or straightening a pile of magazines -- whatever occurs to you.

Huffington Post

The beds had clean sheets; the garbage cans were emptied; everything was designed to be temporary, anonymous, and easily wiped down with a mop.

The New Yorker

Researchers with the university's Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management said that much of the litter was spilled when cans were emptied into garbage trucks.

The New York Times - Science

It can be empty on weekends.

The New York Times

Commuting rates drop precipitously, and bike lanes can be empty for long stretches of time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be emptied", ensure the subject is something that logically holds contents. For example, "the container can be emptied" is better than "the idea can be emptied" unless used metaphorically.

Common error

While "can be emptied" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive constructions. Sometimes, an active voice alternative is clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "the water tank can be emptied by the workers", use "the workers can empty the water tank".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be emptied" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or capability of an action being performed on a subject. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be emptied" is a grammatically correct and usable passive verb phrase that describes the possibility of something being cleared of its contents. Ludwig AI indicates that it's appropriate for use in written English. It has a neutral register, appearing across a variety of contexts such as news, science, and wiki sources. While not extremely frequent, it's a useful phrase for conveying information about capacity or function. To improve clarity, consider active voice alternatives and ensure the subject logically holds contents. Related phrases include "can be cleared" and "can be drained", which may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be emptied out

Adds emphasis to the action of emptying.

can be cleared

Emphasizes the action of removing something, similar to emptying.

can be made empty

Focuses on the resultant state of being empty after a clearing action.

can be evacuated

Suggests a more urgent or systematic removal, often referring to people or spaces.

can be drained

Specifically refers to the removal of liquids.

can be vacated

Focuses on leaving a space empty, often by removing occupants.

can be unloaded

Implies the removal of a load or cargo.

can be evacuated

Suggests a more urgent or systematic removal, often referring to people or spaces.

can be discharged

Implies a formal or official removal, often related to duties or obligations.

can be depleted

Suggests a gradual reduction or exhaustion of resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be emptied" to describe the potential for something to be cleared of its contents. For instance, "The recycle bin "can be emptied" every Friday".

What are some alternatives to "can be emptied"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be cleared", "can be drained" (if referring to liquids), or "can be unloaded" (if referring to cargo), depending on the context.

Is it better to use "can be emptied" or "can be cleared"?

Both phrases are correct, but "can be cleared" is more general and might be preferred when the contents aren't necessarily being "emptied" into something else. "Can be emptied" suggests a more specific action of transferring contents.

What does it mean when something "can be emptied"?

It means that the object or container in question has the capacity to have its contents removed, whether that's trash, water, or something else. It describes a capability or function.