can be inserted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be inserted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something can be added or placed into a particular context or location. Example: "The new feature can be inserted into the existing software to enhance its functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes, too, a needle can be inserted improperly.

The New York Times - Sports

It can be inserted easily by the woman.

The New York Times - Health

It can be inserted through a small incision.

Injury

If one of those phrases can be inserted in a sentence, like is correct.

The New York Times - Magazine

Genes from human, animal, plant, bacteria, virus or other organisms can be inserted into another species.

The New York Times

Simmer 4 to 6 minutes, until a skewer can be inserted into them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Meanwhile, an IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex.

The Guardian

Alternatively, the DNA templates can be inserted into a plasmid and introduced into E. coli.

Nature

A different set of maps can be inserted for each mission, depending on the geographic objective.

The New York Times - Science

Malicious code can be inserted into free versions of popular apps.

Harvard Business Review

Blumenthal said the devices can be inserted up to 48 hours after delivery.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be inserted", ensure the subject receiving the insertion is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "data can be inserted", specify "data can be inserted into the database".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "can be inserted" in contexts where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "a card can be inserted", consider "you can insert a card".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be inserted" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or permissibility of placing something into a specific context. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it being used in diverse scenarios, from medical procedures to software applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be inserted" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the possibility of adding or placing something within a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across diverse fields, particularly science, news, and academia. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of the potential for overuse and consider more active alternatives for directness. The phrase's frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability in formal and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be added

Focuses on the act of adding something to a context.

may be placed

Emphasizes the possibility or permission to place something.

could be positioned

Suggests a potential placement, often with strategic intent.

is able to be included

Highlights the capability of including something.

might be introduced

Implies a tentative or conditional introduction of something.

is capable of being put in

Emphasizes the capacity for something to be positioned within.

is insertable

Describes something having the property of being able to be inserted.

allows for the inclusion of

Shifts focus to the allowance or permission for inclusion.

permits the addition of

Similar to the above, but emphasizes permission rather than capability.

is designed to accommodate

Highlights the intentional design to accept the placement of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can be inserted" to sound more active?

Consider using active voice constructions such as "you can insert", "one can insert", or "it is possible to insert". The choice depends on the intended subject and the desired level of formality.

What are some alternatives to "can be inserted" that maintain a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives like "may be placed", "can be added", or "is able to be included" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "can be inserted" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, overuse of passive constructions like "can be inserted" can make writing sound less direct. Evaluate whether an active voice alternative would be more impactful in a formal context.

What's the difference between "can be inserted" and "must be inserted"?

"Can be inserted" indicates a possibility or option, whereas "must be inserted" implies a requirement or necessity. The choice depends on whether the insertion is optional or mandatory.