can be finished

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be finished" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the possibility of something being brought to completion. For example, "The project can be finished by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The whole detection procedure can be finished in 6 h.

Clinica Chimica Acta

But then, who can be finished with Alice?

The New Yorker

Aluminum can be finished by porcelain enameling or metallizing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The two steps are independent from each other, and can be finished separately.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Detection of the captured cells can be finished within 1 min.

Talanta

The whole procedure including DNA extraction and PCR amplification can be finished within 5 h.

Molecular and Cellular Probes

All of these can be finished by merely mouse clicking and dragging.

Columbia University

Thanks to them many floors of a large office building can be finished.

The New Yorker

An e-mail started on an iPhone or iPad can be finished on the desktop.

The Economist

"The whole process can be finished in about 20 to 30 seconds," Dr. Goldbogen said.

The New York Times - Science

My task is not one that can be finished in a day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be finished", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is performing the finishing action, even if it's implied. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive voice with "can be finished". Whenever possible, rephrase to use active voice, making your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The report can be finished by the team", try "The team can finish the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be finished" primarily functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability for something to be completed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be finished" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express the possibility of completing something. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While it’s correct to use it in the passive voice, opting for the active voice often improves clarity. Consider alternatives like "can be completed" or "can be finalized" for nuanced meanings. When writing, ensure the context indicates the actor to avoid ambiguity. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use "can be finished" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be completed

This alternative uses "may", indicating possibility or likelihood, but is otherwise similar.

can be finalized

This alternative specifically suggests that something is in its final stages of preparation.

is capable of being completed

This alternative is a more formal and verbose way of saying something can be finished.

could be concluded

This uses "could" to express possibility or a conditional state.

is able to be concluded

This suggests a more formal tone, particularly suitable for reports or academic writing.

can be brought to a close

This alternative is more descriptive and implies a formal ending or resolution.

is amenable to completion

This version is more formal and emphasizes the suitability of something for finishing.

is susceptible to being finalized

This alternative emphasizes a state of being acted upon to reach a final stage.

is liable to be terminated

This implies a formal ending, often used in legal or business contexts.

is in a state to be done

This focuses on the condition or readiness for something to be completed.

FAQs

How do I use "can be finished" in a sentence?

"Can be finished" indicates the possibility of completing a task or project. For example, "The project "can be finished" by Friday if we work efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "can be finished"?

Alternatives include "can be completed", "can be concluded", or "can be finalized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be finished"?

While "can be finished" is grammatically correct in passive voice, using active voice often makes your writing clearer and more direct. For example, prefer "We can finish the task" over "The task "can be finished" by us."

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

"Can be finished" implies possibility, while "will be finished" expresses certainty or a plan. "The project "can be finished" this week" suggests it's possible, whereas "The project will be finished this week" states it as a definite plan.