can be lessen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be lessen" is not correct in English.
The correct form should be "can be lessened." You can use it when discussing the potential reduction of something, typically in a formal or academic context. Example: "The impact of the new policy can be lessened by implementing additional support measures."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Corticosteroid and androgen can be lessen a hemolytic paroxysm and improve hemoglobin levels in about 60% of PNH patients.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That risk can be lessened by surveillance.

The Economist

And which of those traits can be modified so that the rates of injuries can be lessened?

The New York Times - Magazine

The chance of organ death can be lessened with anti-rejection drugs, but these drugs have serious side-effects.

The Guardian

One can only hope that this tragedy can be lessened by providing the impetus needed for Russia to lead the world into this treaty.

The New York Times

By 1952, the American Heart Association had already identified obesity as a cardiac risk factor that can be lessened with exercise and a proper diet.

The New Yorker

The frequency of attacks can be lessened by the avoidance of emotional stress and by shifting to exercise that is less vigorous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although gout cannot be cure the severity of its periodic attacks can be lessened and their duration greatly shortened by treatment involving the use of a drug called colchicum, which is obtained from meadow saffron, or Colchicum autunmale.

The New Yorker

But, he adds, the new research also raises further conundrums, from the radiation doses needed to damage the cardiovascular system to whether the effects differ between the sexes and whether the problem can be lessened.

The Guardian

By injecting these children with stem cells, which can transform themselves to grow into different kinds of tissue, proper bone growth can be sparked and the negative effects of the disease can be lessened significantly.

Independent

Aside from the laughable assertions that homosexuality is caused by a "difficult birth" and "freemasonry" – and can be lessened by practicing rugby - Pilkington suggested I had been sexually abused, and that that was what made me gay.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the past participle form "lessened" instead of the base form "lessen" when using "can be" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, use "The impact can be lessened".

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb after "can be". The correct form is the past participle (e.g., "lessened", "reduced", "mitigated"). Using the base form results in ungrammatical sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be lessen" functions as an incorrect passive construction. The auxiliary verb "can be" requires a past participle, but the base form "lessen" is used instead. Ludwig indicates this is an error.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be lessen" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "can be lessened". As Ludwig AI points out, using the base form "lessen" after "can be" is an error. While the intended meaning—expressing the possibility of reduction—is often clear, it's crucial to use the past participle to ensure grammatical accuracy. More suitable alternatives include "can be reduced", "can be diminished", and "can be mitigated". Paying attention to verb forms will enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be reduced

Replaces "lessen" with the more grammatically correct "reduced", maintaining the passive voice.

can be diminished

Substitutes "lessen" with "diminished", offering a slightly more formal tone while correcting the grammar.

can be mitigated

Replaces "lessen" with "mitigated", suggesting a reduction in severity or impact.

can be alleviated

Uses "alleviated" instead of "lessen", implying a lessening of pain or difficulty.

can be eased

Replaces "lessen" with "eased", suggesting a reduction in pressure or tension.

can be decreased

Substitutes "lessen" with "decreased", focusing on a numerical or measurable reduction.

can be minimized

Replaces "lessen" with "minimized", emphasizing the goal of reducing something to the smallest possible amount.

can be curtailed

Uses "curtailed" instead of "lessen", suggesting a restriction or limitation.

can be weakened

Replaces "lessen" with "weakened", focusing on a reduction in strength or power.

can be softened

Substitutes "lessen" with "softened", implying a reduction in harshness or severity.

FAQs

How do I properly use "can be lessened" in a sentence?

Use "can be lessened" when you want to express that something is capable of being reduced. For example, "The risk "can be lessened" by taking precautions."

What are some alternatives to "can be lessened"?

You can use alternatives like "can be reduced", "can be diminished", or "can be mitigated" depending on the specific context.

Which is grammatically correct: "can be lessen" or "can be lessened"?

"Can be lessened" is grammatically correct. "Can be lessen" is incorrect because it uses the base form of the verb instead of the past participle.

Is there a difference in meaning between ""can be lessened"" and "can be reduced"?

While both phrases express a reduction, ""can be lessened"" implies a decrease in intensity or degree, whereas "can be reduced" suggests a decrease in quantity or size. The choice depends on the context.