can be gleaned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be gleaned" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of obtaining or understanding information or knowledge from a source or situation. Example: By closely analyzing the data, valuable insights can be gleaned to improve our business strategy. In this sentence, "can be gleaned" suggests that by studying the data, we can gain useful knowledge or understanding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what can be gleaned is worrying.

The Economist

How much in savings can be gleaned from wasteful spending?

The New York Times

Its essence, Augustine argued, can be gleaned from a single line of speech: "Deus creator omnium".

The New Yorker

"The president will reap whatever achievements can be gleaned from this agreement — if it is successful".

The New York Times

Interesting ideas can be gleaned, higgledy-piggledy, but without much cooperation from the director.

The New York Times

The explanation can be gleaned from the language surgeons used to justify their operations.

The New York Times

More inspiration can be gleaned from Adam Scott's breakthrough at the Masters this year.

The New York Times - Sports

But important information can be gleaned even from a negative screening, she said.

The New York Times

Still, maybe some lessons can be gleaned from other kinds of labels.

The New Yorker

Such users are considered extremely valuable because more data can be gleaned about them.

The New York Times

Perhaps the reason can be gleaned from William Boyd's "Solo," the latest official Bond novel.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be gleaned" when you want to emphasize that information is not directly stated but needs to be carefully gathered or interpreted from a source.

Common error

While "can be gleaned" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Try rephrasing with active voice where appropriate, for example, "Researchers gleaned insights from the data" instead of "Insights can be gleaned from the data."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be gleaned" functions as a passive construction indicating that information or insights are obtainable from a particular source. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English, suggesting its established grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be gleaned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It signifies that information can be extracted or inferred from a source through careful analysis. Appearing most often in scientific and news media contexts, it maintains a formal to neutral tone. When writing, it's important to use this phrase to point out implied information, but avoid overusing passive voice. Alternatives such as "can be inferred" or "can be extracted" may provide stronger, more direct alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be inferred

Focuses on deriving a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.

can be extracted

Emphasizes the act of pulling information out from a source.

can be derived

Highlights the process of obtaining something from a source or origin.

can be learned

Focuses on acquiring knowledge or skill through experience or study.

can be understood

Emphasizes comprehension or grasping the meaning of something.

can be ascertained

Highlights the act of finding something out for certain.

can be gathered

Emphasizes the collection of information from various places.

can be deduced

Focuses on reaching a conclusion by logical reasoning.

can be uncovered

Emphasizes revealing something previously hidden or unknown.

can be determined

Focuses on establishing something definitively as a result of investigation or calculation.

FAQs

How do I use "can be gleaned" in a sentence?

"Can be gleaned" indicates that information can be gathered or inferred from something, often requiring careful observation or analysis. For example, "Important information "can be gleaned" from a negative screening".

What's the difference between "can be gleaned" and "can be gathered"?

While both phrases suggest obtaining information, "can be gleaned" implies a more subtle or indirect extraction, whereas "can be gathered" suggests a more direct collection from various sources. The phrase "can be gathered" is therefore used when referring to multiple sources.

What can I say instead of "can be gleaned"?

Alternatives to "can be gleaned" include "can be inferred", "can be extracted", or "can be derived", depending on whether you want to emphasize inference, extraction, or derivation.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be gleaned"?

While "can be gleaned" is in the passive voice and grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing stronger and more direct. Instead of "Insights "can be gleaned" from the report", you could write "The report offers insights."