can be expand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be expand" is not correct in English.
The correct form should be "can be expanded." You can use it when discussing the potential for something to be made larger or more extensive. Example: "The project can be expanded to include additional features based on user feedback."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(n_i), (u_i) and (psi ) can be expand about their equilibrium values in power series of (epsilon ), viz., begin{aligned} left.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

In order to achieve HSPG-independent gene delivery, several groups have shown that the endogenous tropism of AAV can be expand by genetically altering the viral capsid.

Molecular Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The house can be expanded with additional modules.

The New York Times - Travel

It can be expanded to 700 rooms, Mr. Wolman said.

The New York Times

There are hopes the project can be expanded.

Independent

Each hose can be expanded and contracted independently.

The Economist

And if more drug is needed, the herd can be expanded.

The New York Times

Below is Gordon Crovitz's feed: Note that stories can be expanded with a pinch-out.

The Guardian

"It can be expanded, as of right, to 430,000 square feet.

The New York Times

Lessons learned there and elsewhere can be expanded, adapted and replicated.

The Guardian

Perhaps this policy can be expanded to cover the president and other members of the administration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the past participle form "expanded" after "can be" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, instead of "The business can be expand", write "The business can be expanded".

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb after "can be". Remember that "be" requires a past participle (e.g., expanded, enlarged) to form the passive voice correctly. Using the base form results in ungrammatical sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be expand" is intended to express the possibility of something being enlarged or increased. However, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form is "can be expanded", where 'expanded' is the past participle.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be expand" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "can be expanded". This construction expresses the potential for something to be enlarged, extended, or developed. As Ludwig AI indicates, the mistake lies in using the base form of the verb instead of the past participle after "can be". The intended meaning is to convey possibility or potential, and alternative phrases like "can be enlarged" or "can be extended" can also be used. While examples exist in both scientific and news contexts, the grammatical error significantly reduces its overall quality and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be expanded

Corrects the grammatical error by using the past participle "expanded".

can be enlarged

Replaces "expand" with "enlarge" maintaining the meaning of becoming bigger.

can be extended

Uses "extended" instead of "expand", suggesting a broadening of scope or reach.

can be developed

Substitutes "expand" with "developed", focusing on growth and improvement.

can be augmented

Replaces "expand" with "augmented", implying an addition or enhancement.

can be broadened

Uses "broadened" to indicate a widening of scope or understanding.

can be increased

Replaces "expand" with "increased", simply meaning to become greater in number or size.

can be amplified

Substitutes "expand" with "amplified", suggesting an increase in intensity or effect.

can be widened

Uses "widened" to express the idea of making something broader or more inclusive.

can be grown

Replaces "expand" with "grown", focusing on natural development and increase.

FAQs

What is the correct form, "can be expand" or "can be expanded"?

"Can be expanded" is the correct form. The phrase "can be" requires the past participle of the verb, which is "expanded".

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

You can use "can be expanded" to indicate the potential for growth or enlargement. For example, "The project can be expanded to include new features."

What are some alternatives to "can be expand"?

Since "can be expand" is grammatically incorrect, you can use alternatives such as "can be enlarged", "can be extended", or "can be developed".

What's the difference between "can be expand" and "can be expanded"?

"Can be expand" is grammatically incorrect. "Can be expanded" is the correct passive form, indicating that something has the ability to be enlarged or increased.