can be exchanged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can be exchanged' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something can be swapped or exchanged for something else. For example, you could say, "Gift cards can be exchanged for goods in the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But they can be exchanged for sterling.

The Economist

Tickets can be exchanged, donated or refunded.

The New York Times

The points can be exchanged for shopping and travel vouchers.

Independent

In the novel that common currency, language, can be exchanged like for like.

The Guardian - Books

In the master bedroom, smooth lime-green wood can be exchanged for rippling vanilla plastic.

The New York Times

Cryptocurrency is a decentralized form of money that can be exchanged for government-fiat currency.

The New Yorker

These points can be exchanged for prizes such as sports equipment and entry to museums.

The Guardian

Tickets can be exchanged by mail or at the Continental Arena box office while supplies last.

The New York Times

The cations can be exchanged reversibly with other metal ions without destroying the aluminosilicate structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Convertible bonds are fixed-income securities that can be exchanged for shares in the issuing company.

The Economist

But none of these tokens can be exchanged for the bolívar, the country's legal currency.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be exchanged", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being exchanged for what. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be exchanged" without specifying the terms or conditions of the exchange. For example, instead of saying "Tickets can be exchanged", specify "Tickets can be exchanged for another performance date".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be exchanged" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or ability for something to be swapped or converted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from exchanging currencies to exchanging information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be exchanged" is a grammatically correct and versatile passive verb phrase used to indicate the possibility of swapping or converting something. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general media. It’s crucial to provide specific details about the exchange to avoid ambiguity, such as clarifying what items or services are being swapped. While alternatives like ""are interchangeable"" or ""can be replaced"" exist, "can be exchanged" maintains its widespread use due to its clear and direct meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are interchangeable

Highlights the similarity and equivalence between items, implying they serve the same purpose and can be used in place of each other.

may be swapped

Suggests a possibility of swapping, but might imply a less formal or guaranteed exchange than "can be exchanged".

may be interchanged

Similar to interchangeable, but can also imply a mutual exchange between two parties.

could be traded

Implies a transaction or bartering scenario, emphasizing the trade aspect more than a simple exchange.

are redeemable

Highlights the action of exchanging something for its value, such as points or coupons.

are convertible

Focuses on the convertibility aspect, often used in financial or technical contexts where one form is changed into another.

might be bartered

Specifically suggests exchanging goods or services without the use of money.

might be substituted

Emphasizes the act of replacing one thing with another, often due to necessity or availability.

can be replaced

Focuses on the act of replacing, often because something is broken, used up, or no longer needed.

can be commuted

Suggests a conversion into something else, often referring to sentences or obligations.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be exchanged" to indicate that something is able to be swapped for something else. For example, "These points "can be exchanged" for prizes".

What's a good alternative to "can be exchanged"?

Alternatives include "are interchangeable", "can be replaced", or "are convertible" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can be exchange" instead of "can be exchanged"?

No, "can be exchange" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "can be exchanged", which uses the past participle of the verb 'exchange'.

What's the difference between "can be exchanged" and "can be traded"?

"Can be exchanged" generally refers to a straightforward swap, while "can be traded" often implies a more complex transaction or bartering process.