can be entertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be entertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a particular idea, suggestion, or proposal is open for consideration or thought. Example: "Any reasonable proposal can be entertained during the meeting, so feel free to share your thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once we fix on an experiential way of entertaining content, what if anything limits the range of contents that can be entertained in that way?

SEP

We can be entertained, but we all know who the real winners are meant to be.

The New York Times

"Not every request can be entertained — that's the toughest part," Mr. Hum said.

The New York Times

People can be entertained by fictional behavior that they feel is not acceptable in reality.

The New York Times

The heroes are so close to clowns, you can be entertained simply by watching them".

The New York Times - Arts

But there are many ways in which one can be entertained.

The New Yorker

Approval by Congress is a necessary, but by no means sufficient, precondition before the tribunals can be entertained as constitutional.

Harvard University

"You can be entertained by it, you can be disgusted, but it is what happened," Mr. Langley said.

The New York Times - Arts

You can't sing for your supper, but you can be entertained while you eat at places that feature live music.

The New York Times

One study shows that students spend less free time watching television, now that they can be entertained online.

The New York Times - Tech

And ideally, they want that expert to say it in a nice neat surprising turn of phrase, so they can be entertained at the same time.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be entertained" to indicate that an idea, request, or proposal is open for consideration or discussion. Ensure the context is appropriate for suggesting openness rather than a definitive acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "can be entertained" when a stronger affirmation or guarantee is needed. It indicates possibility, not certainty. For example, instead of "Your request can be entertained," use "Your request will be approved" if approval is guaranteed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be entertained" functions as a modal passive construction. 'Can' expresses possibility or ability, 'be' serves as an auxiliary verb in the passive voice, and 'entertained' is the past participle. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be entertained" is a versatile modal passive construction used to express the possibility or openness to considering an idea, suggestion, or request, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news media, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended nuance of possibility rather than a definite assurance. Alternatives such as "can be considered" or "is open to discussion" may be more suitable depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be amused

Focuses specifically on the feeling of amusement rather than broader entertainment or consideration.

can be enjoyed

Emphasizes the aspect of pleasure and positive reception.

can be captivated

Implies a strong sense of holding someone's attention or interest.

can be gratified

Highlights the satisfaction or pleasure derived from an experience.

can be considered

Shifts the focus to the act of evaluating or thinking about something, rather than providing enjoyment.

can be absorbed

Emphasizes the ability to be fully engaged or immersed in something.

can be indulged

Suggests allowing oneself or others to enjoy something, often a pleasure or desire.

is open to consideration

Formal way of expressing that something can be thought about or discussed.

can be accommodated

Focuses on making space for or adapting to a request, idea, or need.

is susceptible to enjoyment

Formal way of expressing that one is open to or capable of being entertained.

FAQs

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

Use "can be entertained" to suggest that an idea, suggestion, or request is open for discussion or consideration. For example, "Any reasonable proposal "can be entertained" during the meeting."

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

You can use alternatives like "can be considered", "is open to discussion", or "can be enjoyed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'the children can be entertained by clowns'?

Yes, it is correct. It means that the children are able to enjoy the performance of clowns. This phrase implies the clowns have the ability to amuse or delight the children.

What's the difference between "can be entertained" and "will be entertained"?

"Can be entertained" suggests a possibility or openness to being entertained. "Will be entertained" implies a certainty or guarantee that entertainment will occur. For example, "The children "can be entertained" by the magician" suggests the magician has the ability to entertain, while "The children will be entertained by the magician" promises that the magician's performance will indeed entertain them.