can be exceeded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be exceeded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that a limit or threshold may be surpassed. Example: "The maximum speed limit for this road can be exceeded under certain conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The country's 35-hour workweek can be exceeded for short periods.

The New York Times

For very large PUMAs the maximum vertexes per PUMA can be exceeded (about 4,000 points).

Columbia University

All sorts of strange things could happen if the speed of light can be exceeded.

The New York Times

"We believe that any major price investments by Morrisons, Sainsbury's or Tesco can be exceeded by the discounters," he wrote.

The Guardian - Business

Either this figure cannot be exceeded at all (except by amending the constitution) or it can be exceeded only with the approval of the voters at an election.

Britannica

For many seniors, the real risk and potential complications of falls can be exceeded by the morbid fear associated with going to ground.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It can only be exceeded.

The New Yorker

In Mr Bush's case, expectations are so low that they can only be exceeded.

The Economist

Numerical examples show that the value of 10 pT can easily be exceeded.

Earth, Planets and Space

The focusing capabilities of such a focusing optics can not be exceeded by any other optics.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

Also, in taking industry bargaining as a wage floor, multi-level bargaining may amount to "paying twice" by setting a wage that can only be exceeded.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be exceeded", ensure that the context provides clarity on what factors or conditions might lead to the limit being surpassed. This avoids ambiguity and provides a more complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "can be exceeded" without specifying the conditions or circumstances under which this is likely to occur. This can lead to misinterpretation and a lack of clarity regarding expectations or safety margins.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be exceeded" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or permissibility of surpassing a specified limit or threshold. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is deemed correct. For example, "the speed of light can be exceeded" highlights a theoretical possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be exceeded" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate that a limit or threshold is not necessarily absolute and may be surpassed under certain conditions. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and prevalent across various domains, including science, news media, and formal communication. While it appears most frequently in scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broader audiences. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context regarding the conditions under which the limit might be exceeded to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "may be surpassed" or "is possible to exceed" offer similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be surpassed

Direct synonym, emphasizing the ability to go beyond a defined limit. Slight emphasis variation.

may be surpassed

Uses "surpassed" to emphasize the act of going beyond a limit or expectation, offering a more formal tone.

could be surpassed

Suggests a possibility rather than a certainty of exceeding, adding a layer of uncertainty.

is possible to exceed

Rephrases using "possible" to emphasize the feasibility of exceeding the limit.

can be surpassed by

Focuses on the agent or element that performs the exceeding action.

may be transcended

Implies exceeding to a greater degree, often with connotations of improvement or moving to a higher level.

is able to be exceeded

More verbose, focusing on the capability of something to be surpassed.

is liable to be exceeded

Indicates a probability or tendency to be exceeded, often suggesting a potential negative consequence.

is subject to exceedance

Formal and technical, indicating that the limit is under a condition where it might be exceeded.

might be overstepped

Suggests a transgression or a violation of a boundary, carrying a slightly negative implication.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be exceeded" to indicate that a limit or threshold is not absolute and may be surpassed under certain conditions. For example: "The speed limit "can be exceeded" when overtaking in designated areas".

What phrases are similar to "can be exceeded"?

Alternatives include phrases like "may be surpassed", "could be surpassed", or "is possible to exceed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be exceeded" or "may be exceeded"?

Both "can be exceeded" and "may be exceeded" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Can" implies the ability to exceed the limit, while "may" suggests a possibility. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize ability or possibility.

What is the difference between "can be exceeded" and "must not be exceeded"?

"Can be exceeded" indicates that a limit is not absolute and may be surpassed under certain circumstances, whereas "must not be exceeded" indicates a strict limit that should not be violated under any circumstances. The former allows for flexibility, while the latter enforces a rigid boundary.