can be imagined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be imagined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, scenarios, or ideas that are not tangible but can be visualized or thought of in one's mind. Example: "In a world where technology has advanced beyond our current understanding, a society where everyone is connected through thought can be imagined."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And anything that can be imagined can be un-imagined just as easily.

WikiHow

More than can be imagined.

The New York Times

A variety of interferometry demonstration missions can be imagined.

Advances in Space Research

All sorts of possibilities can be imagined.

The Washington Post

Surely something more compelling can be imagined?

The Guardian - Opinion

The risks to himself can be imagined.

The Guardian

By exploring these applications, many potential applications can be imagined.

Developing Virtual Reality Applications Foundations of Effective Design

But even then, some what-ifs can be imagined.

The New York Times

This is as radical a shift as can be imagined".

The New Yorker

Of course other applications can be imagined too.

Columbia University

To generalize the previous multiscale schemes to multivariate functions, many different possibilities can be imagined.

Handbook of Numerical Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be imagined" to introduce hypothetical scenarios, potential outcomes, or abstract concepts that are not immediately obvious but are possible to envision.

Common error

While "can be imagined" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing passive constructions. Sometimes, active voice offers a more direct and engaging style. Consider whether rephrasing with an active verb would improve clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "a solution can be imagined", you might say "we can imagine a solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be imagined" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or conceivability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It suggests that something is within the realm of possibility, that is able to be brought to mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

39%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be imagined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey possibility or conceivability. It is particularly common in scientific, academic, and news contexts, where hypothetical scenarios and abstract concepts are often discussed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

While the phrase is versatile, writers should be mindful of potentially overusing passive voice and consider whether an active construction might improve clarity. Alternatives such as "can be envisioned" or "is conceivable" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance desired. Overall, "can be imagined" is a valuable tool for expressing hypothetical or potential situations across a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be envisioned

Emphasizes the visual aspect of imagining, focusing on creating a mental image.

can be conceived

Highlights the mental formation or understanding of an idea or concept.

can be visualized

Specifically refers to the ability to form a visual representation in the mind.

is conceivable

Indicates that something is possible or believable, often used in more formal contexts.

is thinkable

Suggests that something is within the realm of possibility or consideration.

can be conceptualized

Focuses on forming a comprehensive idea or theory about something.

might be hypothesized

Suggests a tentative explanation that can be tested, often used in scientific contexts.

may be speculated

Involves forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

can be dreamed up

Implies a creative or inventive imagining, often with a fantastical element.

can be fantasized

Emphasizes the imaginative and often unrealistic nature of the idea.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be imagined" is used to suggest a possibility or a hypothetical situation that is conceivable. For example, "A future with flying cars "can be imagined" if technology continues to advance".

What are some alternatives to "can be imagined"?

You can use phrases like "can be envisioned", "can be conceived", or "is conceivable" as alternatives to "can be imagined", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be imagined"?

While "can be imagined" is in the passive voice and perfectly acceptable, consider whether using the active voice would make your writing more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "a solution can be imagined", you could write "we can imagine a solution".

What is the difference between "can be imagined" and "can be envisioned"?

While both phrases suggest something is possible to conceive, "can be envisioned" often implies a more visual or detailed mental picture than ""can be imagined"". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the visual aspect or the general conceptual possibility.