can be known

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be known" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to express the potential or possibility of something being understood or recognized. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing a concept or idea, a person's character or thoughts, or a fact or truth. Example: The true intentions of the suspect can be known through thorough investigation and evidence gathering.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

So what can be known right now?

The Guardian

In baseball, I can be known in Uganda.

The New York Times - Sports

As long as nothing can be known for sure.

The New Yorker

Where people draw the line can be known only after the fact.

The New York Times

So little can be known about actual performance practice that conjecture, educated guesswork, rules the day.

The New York Times - Arts

In the 21st-century I think it can be known for film," he said.

The Guardian

Of course, all that can be known is not all there is.

The New Yorker

Its correct value can be known only by an omniscient being.

Harvard Business Review

Their values can be known or unknown before the experiment is carried out.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

The exact location of every building on the planet can be known.

The Economist

Scientists devise and study such ideal objects because their properties can be known exactly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what "can be known", specifying the subject or area of knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "can be known" excessively in passive voice, as it can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Opt for active voice where appropriate to create a more engaging and direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be known" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for something to be discovered, understood, or ascertained. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It emphasizes the possibility of acquiring knowledge, rather than stating a fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be known" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates the potential for something to be understood or discovered. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility across diverse contexts. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overuse in passive constructions. Alternatives like "can be ascertained" or "can be determined" may offer more directness in certain situations. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources highlights its suitability for formal and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something that was previously hidden or unknown.

can be understood

Emphasizes the comprehension aspect of knowledge.

can be ascertained

Highlights the process of confirming or verifying something.

can be determined

Stresses the act of finding something out definitively, often through investigation or calculation.

can be revealed

Focuses on unveiling something that was previously secret.

can be found out

A more informal way of saying something can be discovered.

can be recognized

Highlights the ability to identify or acknowledge something.

can be appreciated

Implies that something's value or importance can be understood.

can be grasped

Focuses on mentally understanding something, usually a concept or idea.

can be learned

Emphasizes the possibility of acquiring knowledge through study or experience.

FAQs

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

Use "can be known" to indicate the possibility of something being discovered or understood. For example: "The long-term effects of the drug can be known only after extensive trials."

What are some alternatives to "can be known"?

You can use alternatives like "can be ascertained", "can be determined", or "can be understood" depending on the specific context.

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

While "can be known" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weaker. Consider using active voice where appropriate for a more direct and engaging style.

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

"Can be known" implies a possibility or potential for knowledge, while "is known" indicates that something is already established knowledge.