can be instigated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be instigated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or events that can be initiated or provoked by someone or something. Example: "The conflict can be instigated by external influences that seek to create division among the groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I have yet to be subjected to such a search and am interested to know what my rights are concerning a refusal of such an action, particularly as a search can be instigated without due cause, or accusation.

The Guardian - Opinion

A substrate inhibition model of bioreactors, used to display the techniques, exemplifies the richness of dynamic behaviors that can be instigated by a simple controller by exhibiting multiple equilibrium points, limit-cycles, tori, and chaotic strange attractors in the closed-loop system.

Chemical Engineering Science

The change can be instigated by an external control or it can be automatic, for instance in response to variations in heat, pressure or velocity.These morphing composites could be used to produce more efficient turbine blades in wind and tidal generators, a seminar at Bristol University's Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science was told this week.

The Economist

This can be instigated either by the councils or by the Local Government Boundary Commission.

BBC

Feeding determines the health of a population because altered growth and reproduction can be instigated by an effect on feeding [[4] [7]].

Environmental Sciences Europe

Any technical assistance recommended by the Committee can be instigated with the support of the Afghan government.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Allograft rejection can thus be instigated by activated platelets through CD154.

Duke University

But the girl's Oedipal Complex is necessarily more complicated since it can only be instigated by a break from the pre-Oedipal relation to the mother and is therefore a secondary formation.

SEP

There also is a sizable debate about whether such a sweeping change can be created through a ballot initiative — that is, whether it rises to the level of a "revision" of the California Constitution, which can only be instigated by the Legislature or by a formal constitutional convention.

Los Angeles Times

To what extent effects caused by mesenchymal stem cells can also be instigated by exosomes remains to be seen.

BioMed Research International

To achieve this, effective energy policy options must be instigated that can adjust to changing circumstances.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be instigated", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what or who is doing the instigating. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid overusing "can be instigated" in passive constructions where the active agent is unclear. Active voice often makes your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be instigated" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating that an action or process is able to be initiated or prompted. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be instigated" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the potential for an action or process to be initiated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and indicates its use in various writing contexts. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying the instigator and avoid overuse in passive voice. Consider synonyms like "can be initiated" or "could be triggered" for subtle variations in meaning. Predominantly appearing in science and news media, the phrase carries a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be initiated

Uses "initiated" as a direct synonym for "instigated", maintaining a formal tone.

may be initiated

Replaces "can" with "may", indicating possibility but with a slightly more formal tone.

could be triggered

Substitutes "instigated" with "triggered", suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship.

might be started

Uses "started" in place of "instigated", conveying a simpler and more direct meaning.

is able to be launched

Replaces "can" with "is able to", which is a slightly stronger way of saying "can", and substitutes "instigated" with "launched", implying beginning an activity.

can be prompted

Employs "prompted" instead of "instigated", implying a gentle encouragement or cue.

can be activated

Uses "activated" instead of "instigated", conveying a sense of something being switched on or made operative.

can be caused

Replaces "instigated" with "caused", focusing on the resulting effect rather than the action of starting.

can be generated

Substitutes "instigated" with "generated", implying the creation or production of something.

may be set in motion

Replaces with a more figurative expression, indicating a process being started.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be instigated" to describe actions or events that are able to be started or provoked, such as "The process "can be instigated" by a simple command".

What's the difference between "can be instigated" and "can be initiated"?

While both are similar, "can be initiated" is a more neutral and formal alternative, whereas "can be instigated" sometimes implies a subtle sense of urging or encouragement.

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

You can use alternatives like "may be initiated", "could be triggered", or "might be started" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was instigated" instead of "can be instigated"?

Yes, "was instigated" is correct when referring to a past event that was already started or provoked. "Can be instigated" refers to a potential or possible event.