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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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can be helped

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be helped" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that assistance or support is available for someone or something in need. Example: "If you are struggling with your studies, remember that you can be helped by a tutor or a study group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they can be helped.

News & Media

Independent

And it can be helped to heal.

News & Media

The New York Times

However, patients can be helped by psychotherapy.

This can be helped along by employers.

And they can be helped only on an individual basis.

News & Media

The New Yorker

With more support, people like him can be helped.

They can be helped into education, work or training.

News & Media

The Guardian

Depression, once identified, can be helped with psychotherapy and medications.

News & Media

The New York Times

I don't think it's their problem, or something that can be helped.

News & Media

The New York Times

If it can be helped, then the development of talent should not be hindered.

News & Media

Independent

"You can be helped in all sorts of ways by devastating objections".

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about solutions to problems, use "can be helped" to suggest that improvement or assistance is possible, but not guaranteed. This conveys a sense of hope and action without overpromising.

Common error

Avoid using "can be helped" when the situation is hopeless or beyond repair. Instead, opt for phrases that acknowledge the limitations or challenges involved.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be helped" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests the potential for assistance or improvement. Examples show its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be helped" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey the possibility of assistance or improvement. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical correctness and frequency across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and general writing underscores its widespread acceptance. While "can be helped" maintains a neutral register, users should consider more formal alternatives like "can be assisted" in professional or academic settings. Remember to use "can be helped" when some level of positive change is achievable, and be cautious of overstating certainty when situations are truly beyond repair. The analysis of usage patterns, authoritative sources, and practical writing guidance will surely enable any author to use the phrase like a pro.

FAQs

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

Use "can be helped" to indicate that a person, situation, or condition is capable of improvement or assistance. For instance, "Even severe depression "can be helped" with the right treatment".

What are some alternatives to "can be helped"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "can be assisted", "can be aided", or "can be improved"/s/. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be helped" formal or informal?

"Can be helped" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "can be assisted" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "can be helped" and "can be cured"?

"Can be helped" implies improvement or assistance, while "can be cured" suggests complete recovery. Use "can be helped" when full recovery isn't guaranteed but some level of improvement is possible.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: