can be forwarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be forwarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something, such as a message or information, is able to be sent on to another person or group. Example: "This email contains important information that can be forwarded to the entire team for their review."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Data from a transmitter can be forwarded to the next hop as long as one forwarding candidate in its CRS receives the data.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In the forwarding phase, the corresponding random variable describes how far a packet can be forwarded until it reaches the edge of its current partition.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

They can be forwarded to astronauts on the space shuttle.

The New York Times

The commission is intent on assigning blame; its findings can be forwarded for possible legal action.

The New York Times

Voice mail can be forwarded, and users can record and e-mail audio messages, too.

The New York Times

Any really good answers can be forwarded to G Paltrow via her agent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nasty messages can be forwarded many times to many people, and are nearly impossible to stop.

The New York Times - Tech

The funds, however, first have to go to the Premier League before they can be forwarded to Portsmouth.

Independent

The commission is intent on assigning blame; its findings can be forwarded to prosecutors for possible legal action against rights violators.

The New York Times

If it would be more convenient just sign the bill and it can be forwarded at the regular date for payment.

The New Yorker

The resulting text can be forwarded to e-mail with the press of a button, or copied so you can paste it into another app.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be forwarded", ensure the subject is clearly defined and that the context makes it obvious where and to whom the item is being forwarded. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "can be forwarded". In some instances, rewriting the sentence in active voice can improve clarity and conciseness. For example, instead of "The email can be forwarded to the team", consider "You can forward the email to the team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be forwarded" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility or permissibility of transferring something to another recipient or destination. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be forwarded" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is eligible to be sent or transmitted to another party. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and business contexts, demonstrating its versatility across various forms of communication. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, more formal or informal alternatives exist, such as "may be transmitted" or "can be passed on", respectively. When employing "can be forwarded", ensure clarity regarding the subject and the intended recipient to avoid ambiguity. While accurate, be mindful of overuse of passive voice and consider employing active voice constructions when suitable. The numerous examples found by Ludwig highlight its widespread acceptance and practical usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be passed on

Replaces "forwarded" with the phrasal verb "passed on", offering a more casual alternative.

can be sent along

Uses "sent along" instead of "forwarded", suggesting a simple and direct transmission.

may be transmitted

Replaces "can" with "may" and "forwarded" with "transmitted", suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

is able to be redirected

Substitutes "can be" with "is able to be" and "forwarded" with "redirected", emphasizing capability and direction.

can be rerouted

Replaces "forwarded" with "rerouted", highlighting the act of changing the route or destination.

is capable of being relayed

Uses "is capable of being" instead of "can be" and "relayed" in place of "forwarded", implying the capacity to pass along information.

may be channeled

Substitutes "can" with "may" and "forwarded" with "channeled", suggesting directing something through a specific pathway.

is eligible for redistribution

Replaces "forwarded" with "redistribution", focusing on the act of distributing again.

is subject to being conveyed

Uses "conveyed" instead of "forwarded", with a focus on transmitting information or meaning.

is susceptible to transmission

Emphasizes the vulnerability or potential for transmission rather than the action of forwarding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can be forwarded" for a formal context?

In formal settings, you can use alternatives like "may be transmitted", "is eligible for redistribution", or "is subject to being conveyed" for a more professional tone.

What's a more casual alternative to "can be forwarded"?

For informal communication, consider using phrases such as "can be passed on" or "can be sent along".

Is it always appropriate to use "can be forwarded"?

While grammatically correct, "can be forwarded" may sound passive. If the actor is known and relevant, using an active voice construction (e.g., "You can forward it") might be clearer and more direct.

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

"Can be forwarded" indicates a possibility or permission to forward something, while "must be forwarded" implies an obligation or requirement to do so. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.