can be foregone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be foregone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something can be omitted or passed over without significant consequence. Example: "In certain situations, the formalities can be foregone to expedite the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Whereas in a scenario dedicated to the expansion of renewables, a large part of the energy-saving potential can be foregone due to direct (larger living space, inefficient heating behavior, etc).

Energy Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We need reassurance that it can deliver the benefits intended and that these benefits are greater than those of other transport schemes – whether in the department's project pipeline or not – which may be foregone.

The Guardian

If such a loss merited a bonus to be foregone, what would a bigger loss merit?

The Guardian - Opinion

"We need reassurance that it can deliver the benefits intended and that those benefits are greater than those of other transport schemes - whether in the department's project pipeline or not - which may be foregone," it said.

BBC

The point is that some pleasures ought to be foregone for ethical reasons.

WikiHow

To say that "society needs" such elite education is to speculate that with elite education all members of society can be made better off than they would be if elite education is foregone.

SEP

Therefore, the number of potential migrants can only increase today.And here is Stephen Roach:[R]ecent increases in minimum wages are a catch-up from previously slated hikes that had been foregone in the crisis.

The Economist

"In consequence, large sums in penalties have been foregone," Avaaz states.

The Guardian

If the show does nothing but reward military-style wits and agility, the winners are foregone.

The New York Times - Arts

Hallucinogens were imbibed, Captain Beefheart records were studied, some washing was foregone and schroomadealica was born.

The Guardian - Music

But the climate change levy raises less than is foregone by the national insurance cut.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be foregone" when you want to indicate that something is optional or not strictly necessary in a given situation. It often implies a trade-off or a conscious decision to omit something for a specific reason, such as efficiency or convenience.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice, including phrases like "can be foregone", as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The formalities can be foregone", try "We can skip the formalities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be foregone" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or permission. It suggests that something is capable of being omitted or skipped without causing a critical problem. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and frequently encountered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be foregone" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to convey that something is optional or not strictly necessary. As Ludwig underlines, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered. It finds common usage across varied contexts, including news, science, and formal business communications. While slightly formal, its versatility allows for effective communication in numerous scenarios. When writing, consider whether a more direct, active voice construction might enhance clarity and impact, but don't hesitate to use "can be foregone" when the context calls for a nuanced expression of optionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be omitted

Replaces "foregone" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of leaving something out.

can be skipped

Suggests a more casual and less formal way of saying something can be passed over.

can be waived

Implies that a requirement or rule can be officially set aside.

can be dispensed with

More formal, suggesting that something is not necessary and can be removed.

can be relinquished

Indicates a more deliberate act of giving up or letting go of something.

can be sacrificed

Emphasizes the act of giving something up, often for a greater purpose or benefit.

can be passed over

Similar to "skipped" but slightly more formal, indicating something is ignored.

can be avoided

Focuses on preventing something from happening or being necessary.

can be done without

Highlights the possibility of managing or functioning effectively even in the absence of something.

can be set aside

Suggests that something is intentionally put to the side, either temporarily or permanently.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be foregone" to indicate that something is optional or unnecessary in a given context. For example: "In certain situations, some steps "can be omitted"." or "The usual formalities "can be waived" in urgent cases."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "can be foregone"?

Similar phrases include "can be omitted", "can be skipped", "can be waived", and "can be dispensed with". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality required.

Is "can be foregone" formal or informal?

"Can be foregone" tends to be more formal. In more casual contexts, phrases like "can be skipped" or "can be left out" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "can be foregone" and "must be foregone"?

"Can be foregone" indicates that something is optional, while "must be foregone" suggests that something is essential to omit. For example, "Certain luxuries can be foregone during a recession" suggests they are optional, while "Personal biases must be foregone for objective decision-making" indicates a requirement.