can be given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be given" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when discussing the possibility or potential for something to be given or received. Example: "The award can be given to anyone who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

These pieces can be given names.

Independent

Various types of sentences can be given.

Encyclopedia Britannica

they can be given an answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those "hard money" funds can be given directly to candidates.

The New York Times - Style

That means no more injections can be given.

The New York Times

Angel Pavement's storyline can be given in a paragraph.

The Guardian - Books

And in Rwanda an order can be given very quietly".

The New Yorker

Yet now, more than ever, no answer can be given.

The Guardian

That's the greatest advice anyone can be given.

The Guardian - Music

In serious cases, public order offences can be given.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, support can be given to cautious and strategic engagement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be given" in contexts where you want to emphasize the possibility or permissibility of an action, rather than a requirement. For stronger requirements, consider using 'must be given' or 'should be given'.

Common error

Avoid using "can be given" in situations where the active voice is clearer and more direct. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is capable of being provided or delivered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It highlights the potential for an action to occur, focusing on the recipient rather than the giver.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be given" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to express possibility, permission, or availability across various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, and the phrase appears frequently in news, scientific articles, encyclopedias, and wikis, indicating its broad applicability. When using "can be given", clarity is key: ensure the context specifies both the provider and the recipient to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "may be provided" or "could be offered" to adjust the nuance of possibility. While versatile, avoiding overuse and opting for active voice can strengthen writing when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be provided

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting possibility rather than ability.

could be offered

Substitutes "can" with "could", indicating a conditional possibility.

might be granted

Uses "might" instead of "can", conveying a lower probability.

may be issued

Replaces "given" with "issued", suitable for formal contexts involving permits or documents.

is permitted to be given

Adds "is permitted", emphasizing authorization.

is allowed to be given

Similar to 'is permitted', this also emphasizes authorization or permission.

is able to be provided

Focuses on the ability to provide something, rather than just the possibility.

can be supplied

Substitutes "given" with "supplied", implying a resource or service being made available.

can be furnished

Replaces "given" with "furnished", suggesting provision of necessary items or information.

can be presented

Uses "presented" instead of "given", often used when formally introducing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be given" to indicate that something is permitted or possible to provide. For example, "Assistance "assistance can be given" to those in need."

What are some alternatives to "can be given"?

Alternatives include phrases like "may be provided", "could be offered", or "might be granted", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it more appropriate to use "must be given" instead of "can be given"?

"Must be given" implies a requirement or obligation, while "can be given" suggests a possibility or permission. Use "must be given" when something is essential or legally required; otherwise, "can be given" is suitable.

Is there a difference between "can be given" and "is allowed to be given"?

While similar, "is allowed to be given" explicitly emphasizes the permission aspect, whereas "can be given" can also imply capability or possibility. Both are grammatically correct and interchangeable in many contexts, but the former is often used in more formal environments.