can be labelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be labelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the categorization or identification of something, indicating that it is possible to assign a label to it. Example: "The various species of birds can be labelled according to their unique characteristics and habitats."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Only pasties made in Cornwall can be labelled 'Cornish pasties'.

The Guardian - Travel

One can be labelled Anti-War: Nick Broomfield's Battle for Haditha and Brian De Palma's Redacted.

The Guardian - Film

He even goes so far as to say that "the SRA can be labelled as racist".

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a world in which a retirement home can be labelled A Sad Place for Hopeless Old People.

The Guardian - Film

When it's a "fruit spread", a "conserve" or otherwise falls outside government regulations defining what can be labelled jam.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The union body claims Chinese products can be labelled "asbestos-free" while still containing as much as 5% asbestos.

The Guardian

Traders on its website who pay a fee and submit to third-party checking can be labelled "gold" suppliers.

The Economist

Unfortunately, few other amino acids can be labelled without changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of the protein.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rebels, however, said many more details need to be ironed out before the deal can be labelled a "power-sharing" agreement.

The Guardian

"I will never get my head around that – how someone who did not commit murder can be labelled a murderer and go to prison for murder".

The Guardian

This is set to change next year, but at the moment Danish pork made into bacon in this country can be labelled as produced in the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing between "can be labelled" and more formal alternatives like "can be designated".

Common error

Avoid using "can be labelled" for overly obvious or simplistic categorizations. Instead, opt for more descriptive language that adds nuance and insight. For example, instead of saying "a cat can be labelled as an animal", describe its specific characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be labelled" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of assigning a label to something. It shows that an item or concept fits a certain category or description. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be labelled" is a versatile construction used to express the possibility of categorizing or identifying something. Ludwig AI's analysis, validated by numerous examples from varied sources, confirms its correctness and common usage. Its prevalence across diverse domains, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedias, makes it an appropriate choice for general and academic writing. When using "can be labelled", ensure clarity in labeling criteria and consider alternatives like "can be designated" or "can be classified as" for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be designated

Emphasizes formal assignment or naming.

can be identified as

Focuses on recognition and classification based on specific attributes.

can be classified as

Highlights systematic grouping based on shared characteristics.

can be termed

Suggests a specific naming or calling of something.

can be referred to as

Indicates a common or accepted way of naming something.

can be considered

Implies a judgment or evaluation leading to a categorization.

can be described as

Focuses on providing a detailed account that implies a classification.

can be marked as

Indicates a clear and distinct designation or tagging.

can be recognized as

Emphasizes the ability to identify something based on known criteria.

can be categorized

Highlights the act of placing something into a specific group.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be labelled" to describe how something is categorized or identified. For example: "Only pasties made in Cornwall "can be labelled" 'Cornish pasties'."

What are some alternatives to "can be labelled"?

Some alternatives include "can be designated", "can be identified as", or "can be classified as", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "can be labelled" and "should be labelled"?

"Can be labelled" implies a possibility or permissibility of assigning a label, while "should be labelled" suggests a recommendation or necessity. The choice depends on whether you're indicating a potential categorization or advocating for one.

When is it appropriate to use "can be labelled" in academic writing?

It's appropriate to use "can be labelled" in academic writing when discussing how concepts, phenomena, or data points are categorized or classified within a specific framework or analysis. Make sure to provide the rational for labelling with clear evidence.