can be expanded

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be expanded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is capable of being extended, increased, or amplified. For example: "The ideas expressed in this paper can be expanded upon in future research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The list of topics can be expanded.

Harvard University

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

The self-interview can be expanded to include your team.

Harvard Business Review

There are hopes the project can be expanded.

Independent

Each hose can be expanded and contracted independently.

The Economist

The assay model can be expanded for all fissile materials.

Nuclear Engineering and Technology

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

Memory starts at 4GB but can be expanded to 32GB for an extra £364.80.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Therefore, their dispersal and distribution ranges can be expanded[19,20,21].

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be expanded", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being expanded and in what way. For example, "The project scope can be expanded to include additional features."

Common error

Avoid using "can be expanded" without specifying how it can be expanded. Saying "The system can be expanded" is less effective than "The system "can be expanded by" adding new modules".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be expanded" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the potential for something to be increased in size, scope, or detail. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various domains, illustrating its ability to denote potential growth or elaboration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be expanded" is a versatile phrase indicating the potential for growth or elaboration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. The phrase sees frequent use in science, news, and academic contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various audiences. While the core meaning remains consistent, remember to provide context on how expansion is possible for clarity. As exemplified by Ludwig's examples, mastering the usage of "can be expanded" allows for effective communication about potential and future development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is expandable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a simple adjective.

may be enlarged

Substitutes "expanded" with a synonym that implies an increase in size.

could be extended

Uses "extended" to suggest a lengthening or broadening of scope.

is susceptible to augmentation

Replaces the modal verb with a more formal and scientific tone and a different adjective that highlights the ability to be augmented.

can be scaled up

Emphasizes the capacity to increase in scale or intensity.

is amenable to growth

Highlights the potential for development and increase.

allows for amplification

Focuses on the possibility of increasing the strength or intensity.

permits further development

Suggests the possibility of additional progress or refinement.

has the capacity for elaboration

Emphasizes the ability to add more detail or complexity.

can be built upon

Highlights the possibility of adding elements on top of something already existing.

FAQs

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

Use "can be expanded" to indicate something has the potential to be made larger or more comprehensive. For example, "The company's product line "can be expanded to include" new items".

What are some alternatives to "can be expanded"?

Alternatives include "may be enlarged", "could be extended", or "is expandable", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can be expanded on"?

While grammatically acceptable, "can be expanded on" is often less direct than saying something like "the topic "can be elaborated" further". Consider if adding 'on' adds value or just unnecessary words.

What does it mean when something "can be expanded"?

It means that its scale, scope, or details are not fixed and have the potential to be increased or elaborated upon. The degree to which it can be expanded depends on context.