can be heightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be heightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to be increased or intensified, such as emotions, experiences, or conditions. Example: "The overall impact of the presentation can be heightened by incorporating visual aids."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The drama of sports, like the lure of love, can be heightened by distance.

The New York Times - Sports

As Bing makes clear, vanity can be heightened through personal accomplishment and possessions.

The New York Times - Magazine

The chances of developing diabetes can be heightened by eating large amount of red meat, according to new research.

Independent

Petr Janata, a research assistant professor at Dartmouth who studies music and the brain, said the effect can be heightened when sound is linked to motion.

The New York Times - Health

Various shades of colour may be obtained chemically; the natural golden colour of Dutch metal can be heightened by applying spirit lacquer coloured with dragon's blood, a resin obtained from plants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Much of kids' digital world is about social connections, so the perception of being left out can be heightened in relation to participating in group texting, online games and social media.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Add to this meat-reducers and pescetarians calling themselves "vegetarian", and the confusion can only be heightened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not only may risk communication be particularly complicated in the case of medical tourism, but the nature of the risks that patients may be exposed to can also be heightened.

BMC Medical Ethics

Contradiction will be heightened.

Huffington Post

My awareness would be heightened.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

In my case, this kind of relationship, if you can call it that, was heightened because up to the age of six I spent a lot of time in bed with a series of illnesses.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be heightened" to describe how a specific factor or condition might increase or intensify an existing state or feeling. For example, "The sense of anticipation can be heightened before a big event."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "can be heightened" when an active voice would make the sentence more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "Anxiety can be heightened by stress", consider "Stress can heighten anxiety".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be heightened" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing the possibility or potential for something to be intensified or increased. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a standard grammatical form suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Formal & Business

2.5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be heightened" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the potential for intensification or enhancement across a range of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and general writing makes it a valuable tool for conveying the possibility of increased impact or effect. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider more direct active constructions when appropriate. The phrase is more formal and is often used in business, news, encyclopedias and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be amplified

Emphasizes an increase in magnitude or intensity.

can be intensified

Focuses on deepening or strengthening the effect.

can be enhanced

Highlights improvement in quality or value.

can be augmented

Suggests adding to or supplementing to increase effect.

can be escalated

Implies a rise in severity or seriousness.

can be aggravated

Indicates worsening or exacerbation.

can be improved

Focuses on making something better or more effective.

can be magnified

Suggests making something appear larger or more significant.

can be deepened

Focuses on making something more profound or intense.

can be boosted

Indicates an increase in power or effectiveness.

FAQs

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

Use "can be heightened" to indicate that a particular feeling, effect, or condition has the potential to be intensified or increased. For example, "The risk of infection "can be heightened" during flu season."

What are some alternatives to "can be heightened"?

You can use alternatives such as "can be intensified", "can be amplified", or "can be enhanced" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "can be heightened" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be heightened" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction using a modal verb and a past participle, indicating a possibility of intensification.

What is the difference between "can be heightened" and "can be increased"?

While both phrases suggest an increase, "can be heightened" often implies an intensification of an existing state or emotion, whereas "can be increased" is more general and refers to a quantitative or measurable increase. For example, "The emotional impact "can be heightened" by music", versus "The volume "can be increased"".