can be harnessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be harnessed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of using something for a specific purpose. For example, "The power of the wind can be harnessed to generate electricity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What other unexpected places can be harnessed?

University of California, Berkeley

Technology can be harnessed to facilitate local interactions".

The New York Times

There's a lot of unexplored power that can be harnessed.

MIT Technology Review

First, mass collaboration can be harnessed for social research.

Princeton University

Solar energy can be harnessed through two technologies: thermal and photovoltaic solar.

The Guardian

But these resources can be harnessed to create more challenging and stimulating learning environments.

The Guardian

And there's no guarantee that creativity can be harnessed effectively by the big parent companies.

The Guardian - Business

"He's very good talent if that talent can be harnessed," a Nine insider said last week.

The Guardian

Is there not a way in which their experience can be harnessed for the national good?

The Guardian - Opinion

So if clickbaiting can be harnessed to drive views (and therefore earnings), we should play along.

The Guardian - Opinion

Almost all these changes can be harnessed to reduce poverty and inequality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be harnessed", ensure the subject is a resource, ability, or force that has the potential to be controlled or utilized for a specific purpose. For example, "Data can be harnessed to improve decision-making."

Common error

Avoid using "can be harnessed" when the subject lacks the inherent potential or characteristics to be effectively utilized. For example, saying "Chaos can be harnessed for order" is generally inaccurate, as chaos is the antithesis of order.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be harnessed" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase expressing potential and possibility in the passive voice. It indicates that something has the capacity to be controlled and directed for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be harnessed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the potential for something to be controlled and utilized effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples from a variety of sources, including news, science, and academia, demonstrate its broad applicability. While the phrase is suitable for neutral and professional contexts, it's essential to ensure that the subject possesses the inherent potential to be effectively utilized, as misattributing potential can lead to inaccurate or misleading statements. Consider alternative phrases like "can be leveraged" or "can be utilized" to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be leveraged

This alternative emphasizes using something to gain an advantage or achieve a specific outcome.

can be utilized

This suggests employing something for a practical purpose or function.

can be exploited

This term implies using something to its fullest extent, sometimes with a connotation of taking advantage.

can be tapped

This suggests accessing or drawing upon a resource or potential.

can be channeled

This implies directing something towards a specific purpose or outcome.

can be directed

This alternative suggests guiding or pointing something towards a particular goal.

can be mobilized

This term emphasizes gathering and organizing resources for a specific purpose.

can be brought to bear

This phrase suggests applying pressure or influence to achieve a desired result.

can be capitalized on

This alternative indicates taking advantage of an opportunity or situation.

can be put to use

This is a general way of saying something can be used for a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be harnessed" to indicate that a resource, ability, or force has the potential to be controlled or utilized for a specific purpose. For example, "Solar energy "can be harnessed" to generate electricity."

What are some alternatives to "can be harnessed"?

Alternatives include "can be leveraged", "can be utilized", or "can be exploited", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can harnessed" instead of "can be harnessed"?

No, "can harnessed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "can be harnessed", which uses the passive voice to indicate that something is being acted upon.

What is the difference between "can be harnessed" and "can be used"?

"Can be used" is a more general term, while "can be harnessed" implies a more deliberate and controlled effort to utilize something for a specific purpose. Harnessing suggests taming or directing a force or resource.