can be enlarged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be enlarged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to increase in size or capacity. Example: "The image can be enlarged to fit the screen without losing quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Print is small, but it can be enlarged.

The Guardian - Money

The second floor has a bedroom and can be enlarged.

The New York Times - Travel

The stable operating region can be enlarged by active control.

Automatica

This configuration can be enlarged to 36-in.

Journal of Crystal Growth

Even a classical building can be enlarged sympathetically, though it requires great sensitivity.

The New York Times

The higher the pixel count, the more the image can be enlarged.

The New York Times - Tech

Each image can be enlarged and then swapped for any image linked to it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

One design decision reflects a compromise of sorts: the music room can be enlarged or compressed as needed.

The New York Times

The cooperative does not allow homes to be built, although existing homes can be enlarged or replaced.

The New York Times

The results show that the coating window of the process can be enlarged by designing the appropriate lip geometry.

Chemical Engineering Science

A section of a painting can be enlarged or miniaturized so that its origin is deliberately unclear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be enlarged" to describe the potential for physical expansion, abstract growth, or increased capacity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be enlarged" in situations where the intended meaning is unclear. Instead of saying "The project can be enlarged", specify aspects that can be expanded: "The project's scope can be enlarged".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be enlarged" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the potential or possibility for something to increase in size or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, and the numerous examples illustrate its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be enlarged" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression indicating the potential for something to increase in size, scope, or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds application across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While versatile, it is best used with clear context to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "can be expanded" or "is capable of being increased" for nuanced expression. The phrase's prevalence in academic, scientific, and news media suggests a neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be made larger

Directly refers to increasing size with the word "larger".

is able to be expanded

Formal rephrasing using "able" to indicate capacity.

is capable of being increased

Emphasizes the potential for increase with a slightly more formal tone.

is expandable

A more concise adjective form indicating the possibility of enlargement.

may be expanded

Expresses possibility using "may", suggesting a potential for enlargement.

can be extended

Emphasizes increasing length or duration as a type of enlargement.

could be made bigger

Uses simpler language to convey the possibility of increasing size.

has the potential to grow

Focuses on growth as a form of enlargement, implying development.

is subject to magnification

Refers specifically to enlargement through magnification, often in a visual context.

is susceptible to expansion

Indicates a vulnerability or readiness to be enlarged.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be enlarged" to describe the potential for something to increase in size, scope, or capacity. For example, "The image "can be enlarged" without losing quality".

What's a more formal way to say "can be enlarged"?

More formal alternatives include "is capable of being increased" or "is able to be expanded". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

What words are similar to "enlarged"?

Synonyms for "enlarged" include "expanded", "increased", "magnified", and "extended". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can become enlarged" instead of "can be enlarged"?

Yes, "can become enlarged" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing the process of becoming larger. However, "can be enlarged" focuses on the potential or possibility of enlargement.