can be hidden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be hidden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to be concealed or made invisible. Example: "Sensitive information can be hidden within layers of encryption to protect it from unauthorized access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nothing can be hidden," Mr Zoubi insists.

Independent

No mistakes can be hidden.

The New York Times

I'm beginning to understand how I can be hidden.

The Guardian - Film

They can be hidden for years, but they're there".

The New York Times

The major or minor tick labels can be hidden.

Harvard University

Gambling addiction can be hidden and lied away.

The Guardian

"Almost anything can be hidden in an average.

The Guardian

The list can be hidden with another click.

The New York Times - Tech

Discontinuities can be hidden or out-cropping with variable aperture sizes in rock media.

Construction and Building Materials

Currently, weak performance by any given trading unit can be hidden from view.

The New York Times

To make them understand that behind each thing can be hidden some other things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be hidden", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the hiding and what is being hidden to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The evidence can be hidden under a pile of papers."

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "can be hidden" in situations where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Mistakes can be hidden by complex reporting", consider "Complex reporting can hide mistakes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be hidden" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or capability of something being concealed. This construction is widely used across different contexts to describe the potential for something to be obscured or made invisible. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be hidden" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express the potential for something to be concealed. As Ludwig AI affirms, it enjoys widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While semantically similar alternatives like "can be concealed" and "can be masked" exist, it's essential to consider the specific context to ensure the most appropriate choice. When using this phrase, aim for clarity by specifying both the agent and the object of concealment. Be mindful of overusing passive voice, which can sometimes obscure the intended meaning. All in all, this phrase is a reliable choice for expressing the possibility of something being hidden.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be concealed

Replaces "hidden" with "concealed", emphasizing the act of preventing something from being known or noticed.

can be masked

Substitutes "hidden" with "masked", implying something is covered up or disguised.

can be obscured

Uses "obscured" instead of "hidden", suggesting something is made difficult to see or understand.

can be covered up

Replaces "hidden" with "covered up", indicating an attempt to conceal something, often a mistake or wrongdoing.

can be camouflaged

Implies blending in with the environment to avoid detection.

can be buried

Replaces "hidden" with "buried", suggesting something is deeply concealed or forgotten.

can be suppressed

Substitutes "hidden" with "suppressed", indicating something is forcibly kept from being expressed or known.

can be secreted

Uses "secreted" instead of "hidden", emphasizing the act of concealing something in a private place.

can be shrouded

Replaces "hidden" with "shrouded", suggesting something is covered or concealed by a shroud or veil.

can be tucked away

Implies something is neatly and securely concealed.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be hidden" to describe something that has the potential to be concealed or made invisible. For instance, "Sensitive information "can be hidden" within layers of encryption."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "can be concealed", "can be masked", or "can be obscured", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be hidden" or "may be hidden"?

Both "can be hidden" and "may be hidden" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can be hidden" indicates possibility or capability, while "may be hidden" suggests possibility or uncertainty. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning in your sentence.

What's the difference between "can be hidden" and "is hidden"?

"Can be hidden" describes the potential or ability for something to be concealed, while "is hidden" states that something is currently in a concealed state. For example, "The key can be hidden under the mat" suggests a possibility, whereas "The key is hidden under the mat" is a statement of fact.