can be foster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be foster" is not correct in English; it should be "can be fostered." You can use it when discussing the potential for development or encouragement of something, typically in a context related to growth or support.
Example: "These skills can be fostered through practice and dedication."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And we will remove obstacles to make sure potential adoptive parents can be foster carers too, so that it's no longer too hard for children to be placed with them while final decisions are made.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's actually a biological condition that can be fostered, purposefully, through activity that increases dopamine".

The New Yorker

In addition, thoughts of suicide can be fostered or hindered by cultural and environmental factors.

The New Yorker

Of course you remain grateful for the theaters in which more daring works can be fostered.

The New York Times

But there's a certain lawlessness and even a dangerous innocence that can be fostered by such remoteness.

The Guardian - Books

A new downtown stadium, Ford Field, gives the Lions hope that a winning attitude can be fostered.

The New York Times - Sports

That sort of love might be harder to order up, from a policy perspective; still, it can be fostered through support for military families.

The New Yorker

Good will can be fostered, said doormen — and they are nearly all men — by having a sense of who on the building staff does which jobs.

The New York Times

It can be fostered by having them reflect on their processes, focus less on their natural ability and developing their self-talk.

The Guardian

They wouldn't promote the sort of magical growth that the left dreams can be fostered to pay off the deficit, but not "too fast".

The Guardian - Opinion

has hosted international summer camps based on the theory that international peace can be fostered by getting groups of children from different countries to converse & play games together.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the past participle "fostered" instead of "foster" when indicating that something is being developed or encouraged.

Common error

Avoid using the base form "foster" after "can be"; the correct form is the past participle "fostered". For example, write "trust can be fostered" not "trust can be foster".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be foster" functions as an incorrect passive construction. It attempts to express the possibility of something being developed or encouraged. However, the grammatically correct form requires the past participle, as highlighted by Ludwig's observation that the correct form is "can be fostered".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be foster" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "can be fostered". As Ludwig AI points out, using the past participle "fostered" is essential for proper grammar. The intended meaning is to express the potential for something to be developed or encouraged. While the contexts where this phrase might appear are diverse, ranging from news to science, its incorrect grammar limits its suitability to informal settings. Remember to always use the past participle form to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be fostered

Corrects the grammatical error in the original phrase by using the past participle form of the verb "foster".

can be nurtured

Replaces "foster" with "nurture", focusing on providing care and support for growth and development.

can be cultivated

Replaces "foster" with "cultivate", emphasizing the process of developing something through careful effort.

can be encouraged

Replaces "foster" with "encourage", highlighting the act of giving support and confidence.

can be promoted

Replaces "foster" with "promote", focusing on actively supporting or advocating for something's advancement.

can be developed

Replaces "foster" with "develop", emphasizing the process of growth and improvement.

can be stimulated

Replaces "foster" with "stimulated", focusing on the action of encouraging activity or development.

can be advanced

Replaces "foster" with "advanced", highlighting progress and forward movement.

can be facilitated

Replaces "foster" with "facilitated", emphasizing the act of making something easier or more likely to happen.

can be grown

Replaces "foster" with "grown", a simpler term emphasizing natural development.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "can be foster"?

The correct phrase is "can be fostered". The verb "foster" requires the past participle form when used with "can be" to indicate something is being developed or encouraged.

What does "can be fostered" mean?

"Can be fostered" means something has the potential to be developed, encouraged, or nurtured. It implies a process of growth and support.

What are some alternatives to "can be fostered"?

Some alternatives include "can be nurtured", "can be cultivated", or "can be encouraged", each highlighting a slightly different aspect of development or support.

Is "can be foster" grammatically correct?

No, "can be foster" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "can be fostered". The past participle form is necessary when used with the auxiliary verb "be".