can be given back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be given back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the return of an item or a favor to someone. Example: "The library book can be given back at any time during business hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She is also affirmation that sometimes it can be given back.

The Guardian

"The museum has to ensure that everything is well researched and documented so that art work can be given back to the right person," Mr. Olkowski said.

The New York Times - Arts

Second, any electricity that you don't use can be given back to the grid (a k a your power company) for a credit on your bill.

The New York Times

The critical decision to be made by governments is how the time won by the best technology can be given back to citizens.

Harvard Business Review

For second-home owners who leave their furnaces on low to keep pipes from freezing in their absence, this means the system is continuously generating electricity that can be given back to the grid for a credit.

The New York Times

In one statement, he made demands regarding how Harney County Sheriff David M. Ward should block off the refuge so the lands can be given "back to the people". And in a recorded message after the indictment was unsealed, Bundy told the Oregon State Police and FBI to go home, leaving out any suggestion that the occupiers should leave.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The engineered APCs can then be given back to the patient, where they can instruct the patient's T cells as they naturally would, offering a relatively simple way to train T cells to attack cancer cells.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"That feeling of security can never be given back and there is no compensation that can restore the feeling one has from such a large invasion of privacy," Aguilera said.

The Guardian - Tech

The "rent" can then be given back to offset living expenses once she moves out.

The New York Times

The result was that a man who was probably innocent was denied something that can never be given back to him: more than four decades of freedom.

Huffington Post

In addition to nursing care and the daily services of a home-health aide, hospice patients can be given massages, acupuncture or back rubs.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be given back" to emphasize the possibility or permissibility of returning something, whether it's a physical object, a right, or an abstract concept like time or trust.

Common error

Avoid using "can be given back" when the active voice would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The book can be given back by the student", consider "The student can return the book".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be given back" functions as a passive construction expressing possibility or permission. It indicates that an action of returning something is feasible or allowed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be given back" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that expresses the possibility or permissibility of returning something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, scientific discussions, and general informational content. While versatile, writers should be mindful of instances where the active voice might offer greater clarity. Related phrases such as "can be returned" and ""can be restored"" provide alternative options depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be returned

Focuses on the act of returning something.

can be restored

Emphasizes the act of bringing something back to its original condition.

can be handed back

Implies a more informal or direct return.

can be reimbursed

Specifically refers to the return of money or compensation.

can be paid back

Focuses on the repayment of a debt or loan.

can be yielded back

Suggests surrendering something previously held.

can be ceded back

Implies a formal or legal return of territory or rights.

can be relinquished

Highlights the act of voluntarily giving something back.

can be reacquired

Emphasizes regaining possession of something previously lost.

can be reverted

Focuses on returning to a previous state or condition.

FAQs

What does "can be given back" mean?

The phrase "can be given back" indicates the possibility or permission to return something to its original owner or state. It implies that the action of returning is feasible or allowed.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be given back"?

It's appropriate when you want to express the potential for something to be returned. For instance, "The money "can be paid back" over time" or "Trust "can be restored" with consistent honesty".

What are some alternatives to "can be given back"?

Alternatives include "can be returned", ""can be restored"", or "can be handed back", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "can be given back" and "must be given back"?

Yes, "can be given back" implies a possibility or permission, while "must be given back" indicates an obligation or requirement. The former suggests a choice, while the latter implies a necessity.