can be grouped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can be grouped' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a set of items or items that can be divided into smaller or more distinct categories. For example: "The items in this inventory can be grouped by size, weight, and other characteristics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Crimes can be grouped or separated.

The Guardian - Opinion

These can be grouped into three categories.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics

The background can be grouped independently from the source region.

Harvard University

The output spectrum can be grouped if desired.

Harvard University

Thus, they can be grouped into six phytosociological classes.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Targets generally can be grouped intothree broad categories: soft, medium, and hard.

The New York Times - Books

There is a lot of what can be grouped under the term American Impressionism.

The New York Times

Pottery Barn has a selection of small mirrors that can be grouped decoratively.

The New York Times - Travel

These can be grouped into two broad categories: precision diagnosis and individualized therapy.

Harvard Business Review

Viruses also can be grouped into strains, each differing greatly in virulence and other properties.

Britannica

Chapters can be grouped together in parts.

Springer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be grouped", ensure the criteria for grouping are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "items can be grouped by color, size, or function".

Common error

Avoid using "can be grouped" without specifying the grouping criteria. Vague statements like "the data can be grouped" lack clarity. Instead, specify how the data will be grouped (e.g., "the data can be grouped by date, location, or category").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be grouped" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability to categorize items or entities based on shared characteristics. It signals that a set of items is amenable to classification. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatical and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

21%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be grouped" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the potential for categorizing items based on shared characteristics. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is useful across many contexts. The phrase is most commonly encountered in scientific writing, but is also frequently used in news media and business contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure that the criteria for grouping are clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "can be categorized" or "can be classified" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be categorized

Indicates a broader sense of classification, not necessarily implying physical grouping.

can be classified

Focuses on systematic arrangement into classes based on shared characteristics.

can be organized

Emphasizes the act of arranging items in a structured manner.

can be sorted

Suggests arranging items into a specific order or sequence.

can be arranged

Implies a deliberate placement or positioning of items.

can be assembled

Focuses on bringing individual components together to form a unified whole.

can be compiled

Indicates gathering information or items from various sources into a single collection.

can be consolidated

Emphasizes combining separate items into a single, more unified entity.

can be clustered

Highlights forming groups based on similarity or proximity.

can be partitioned

Suggests dividing something into distinct sections or parts.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be grouped" to indicate that items or entities share characteristics allowing them to be classified together. For example, "The survey responses can be grouped into positive, negative, and neutral categories."

What are some alternatives to "can be grouped"?

Alternatives include "can be categorized", "can be classified", or "can be organized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be grouped into"?

Yes, "can be grouped into" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. For example, "The students can be grouped into teams of four for the project."

What's the difference between "can be grouped" and "can be classified"?

"Can be grouped" suggests a more general association, while "can be classified" implies a more formal or structured categorization based on specific criteria.