can be locked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be locked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the ability of an object or system to be secured or made inaccessible. Example: "The door can be locked from the inside for added security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It can be locked off for security and public use.

The New York Times

People can be locked up in them without trial for up to four years.

The Economist

Windows not required for light, ventilation or egress can be locked or even sealed.

The New York Times

She bought a gadget which fits over dial of telephone & can be locked with a key.

The New Yorker

"They can't vote, and they can be locked up without committing a crime.

The Guardian

In this country, children can be locked up even if they have committed no crime.

The Guardian

Often it is just a nursing home that can be locked down to prevent residents from wandering off.

The New York Times

Provided capital can be locked in at cheap rates and turned to productive use, it can even be good.

The New York Times

The end caps can be locked down to hold the pressure for time experiments and to make the device portable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sony Electronics has introduced a new machine with a tape slot that can be locked to keep wayward objects out.

The New York Times - Tech

The bearing system that allows the bike to turn can be locked so that a thief can't steer his stolen bike.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether a more specific verb than "locked" would be more precise, such as "secured", "fastened", or "sealed", depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "can be locked" excessively in contexts where the active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The door can be locked by the user", use "The user can lock the door".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be locked" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates the possibility or capability of something undergoing the action of being locked. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The examples show its use in various contexts, such as securing physical objects or data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be locked" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase indicating the ability to secure something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, demonstrating its widespread use across various domains. While versatile, remember to consider more specific verbs or active voice constructions for improved clarity and engagement. You can find it in multiple contexts, News and Media and Science representing the top ones. As always, context is king: choose the phrasing that best suits the situation and intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be secured

Focuses on the act of securing rather than locking.

is able to be secured

Replaces "can" with "is able to", emphasizing capability.

is capable of being locked

Uses "is capable of" for a more formal tone.

can be fastened

Replaces "locked" with "fastened", implying a securing action.

can be made inaccessible

Highlights the result of locking: inaccessibility.

can be sealed

Suggests a more permanent closure than locking.

can be bolted

Specifies a method of securing using bolts.

can be clasped

Implies securing with a clasp mechanism.

can be padlocked

Specifies the use of a padlock for securing.

can be barred

Suggests securing with a bar.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be locked" indicates the possibility or ability to secure something. For example, "The file "can be locked" with a password" or "The bicycle "can be locked" to the rack".

What are some alternatives to "can be locked"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "can be secured", "can be fastened", "can be sealed", or "can be made inaccessible".

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

While "can be locked" is grammatically correct, using the active voice often results in clearer and more direct sentences. For example, instead of "The door "can be locked" by the user", consider "The user can lock the door".

What does "can be locked down" mean, and how does it differ from "can be locked"?

"Can be locked down" typically implies a more comprehensive or restrictive security measure than simply ""can be locked"". It suggests a complete shutdown or restriction of access to prevent any unauthorized activity.