can be encountered

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be encountered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an obstacle or difficulty that may be faced in a given situation. For example, "The challenge of bringing about political change in a highly contested area can be encountered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By Alex Ross Many modern symphonies can be encountered only on recordings.

The New Yorker

Snakes, mountain lions and even the occasional black bear can be encountered here.

The New York Times - Travel

Much of its legacy is ignored in concert halls and can be encountered only on recordings.

The New Yorker

They are the prime locus where the uniqueness of an artist's work can be encountered.

Britannica

Variants of the same process can be encountered within one organization or across different organizations.

Information Systems

This can be encountered with the help of Model Based Systems Engineering MBSEE).

Procedia CIRP

This environment can be encountered in several situations in telecommunications including multi-class communication switches.

Computer Communications

During group decision making, however, separations in design preferences can be encountered.

Knowledge-Based Systems

This experience highlights some of the unacceptable and offensive attitudes that can be encountered by women in the public eye".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pale-vented Pigeons feed largely on berries, and can be encountered alone or in flocks, particularly at fruiting trees.

Cornell University

There are a wide variety of complications that can be encountered, such as hemorrhage, encephalopathy, TIPS dysfunction, and liver failure.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be encountered" to denote the possibility of facing a situation or obstacle, especially when providing information or guidance. For example: "Difficulties can be encountered during the experiment, so be prepared for unexpected outcomes."

Common error

While "can be encountered" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound less direct and engaging. Consider active alternatives where appropriate. For instance, instead of "Problems can be encountered", try "You might encounter problems."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be encountered" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or likelihood. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It suggests the potential for facing certain situations or obstacles, as demonstrated in numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

20%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be encountered" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express the possibility of facing certain situations or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability across various domains. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While its use is generally encouraged, be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice. Understanding the nuances of "can be encountered" will enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be found

Focuses on the possibility of locating or discovering something.

might be experienced

Highlights the potential for undergoing a particular event or situation.

could be observed

Emphasizes the possibility of witnessing or noticing something.

can arise

Suggests the potential emergence or occurrence of something.

may occur

Indicates the possibility of an event taking place.

might present itself

Focuses on the potential appearance or unveiling of something.

can happen

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the possibility of something occurring.

could be met with

Implies facing a situation or challenge, often with a degree of difficulty.

may be detected

Focuses on the possibility of identifying or noticing something through observation or measurement.

might be stumbled upon

Suggests the potential for discovering something unexpectedly or by chance.

FAQs

How do I use "can be encountered" in a sentence?

"Can be encountered" is used to describe something that is possible to experience or find. For example, "Unexpected challenges "can be encountered" during the project."

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

Alternatives to "can be encountered" include "may be found", "might be experienced", or "could be observed", depending on the context.

Is "can be encountered" formal or informal?

"Can be encountered" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for academic writing, news articles, and professional communication. For more informal settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred.

What are common mistakes when using "can be encountered"?

A common mistake is overusing the passive voice. While "can be encountered" is grammatically correct, consider using active voice when appropriate to make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "Errors "can be encountered"", try "You might encounter errors".