can be machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be machine" is not correct in English as it lacks clarity and context.
It could potentially be used in a context discussing the capabilities of machines, but it needs additional words for proper structure. Example: "This process can be machine-operated to increase efficiency."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

All of the rugs can be machine washed and dried and will not shrink.

The New York Times

The queen size costs $695, and it can be machine washed and tumbled dried.

The New York Times - Arts

Made in Bolivia from alpaca, and dyed using non-toxic pigments, it can be machine washed on a wool cycle.

Independent

These are clothes that are made from polyester and can be machine washed, rolled up in a suitcase and unpacked to look as crisp and springy as they did when you packed them; they are light, ageless, trans-seasonal, cross-cultural, ambisexual (there's a men's range, Homme Plissé, because Miyake realised that 10% of Pleats Please customers were men), and don't cost a fortune.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most stuffed animals can be machine washed and tumble dried, and should be laundered as often as the bedding.

Huffington Post

Retention time libraries can be machine- and column-specific, as different machines have different sensitivities, and some problems requiring nano-UPLC will necessarily have a different retention time library than standard UPLC.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

No two creations are alike, though most can be machine-washed and kept shiny with a few strokes with a pet brush.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, says the executive, who works for a rival company, the cost of canvas is pennies on the dollar compared with leather, and canvas can be machine-cut en masse, thus radically saving on labor costs.

The New York Times

It can be machined as solid wood and has many uses, including furniture, paneling, and siding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, different faces of a workpiece can be machined by a combination of operations without moving it to another machine tool.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rigid thermoplastics and thermosets can be machined by conventional processes such as drilling, sawing, turning on a lathe, sanding, and other operations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, always specify what "can be machine..." is referring to. For example, use "can be machine-washed" for fabrics or "can be machined" for materials processed by machines. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be machine" without a clarifying verb or adjective. This phrase lacks specific meaning and is likely to confuse readers. Always complete the phrase to indicate the action or quality being described, such as "can be machine-operated" or "can be machine-cut".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be machine" typically functions as an incomplete predicate requiring a further verb or adjective to make sense. As Ludwig AI suggests, it lacks clarity on its own. It often appears in contexts where something can be machined, machine-washed, or machine-operated.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "can be machine" appears in various contexts, it's generally incomplete and requires a clarifying verb or adjective to be grammatically correct and clear in meaning. Ludwig AI highlights the importance of providing additional context. As demonstrated by Ludwig, common uses include "can be machined" in technical settings and "can be machine-washed" in everyday scenarios. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be automated

Focuses on automation aspect rather than direct machine involvement.

can be mechanized

Highlights the process of being converted to machine operation.

can be processed by machine

Specifies that a machine carries out the processing.

is machine-compatible

Indicates compatibility with machine systems.

can undergo machining

Refers specifically to the machining process.

can be crafted by machine

Implies machine creation or manufacturing.

is suitable for machine operation

Emphasizes the suitability of something for machine use.

can be controlled by a machine

Highlights the aspect of machine control.

can be handled by machine

Indicates machine handling capabilities.

can be run by a machine

Suggests that a machine executes a process.

FAQs

How should I correctly use the phrase "can be machine" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be machine" is incomplete and grammatically incorrect on its own. To use it correctly, you need to add a verb or adjective to clarify the meaning, such as "can be machined" or "can be machine-washed". For alternatives, consider options like "can be automated" or "can be mechanized".

What does it mean for something to "can be machined"?

To say something "can be machined" means that it is suitable for processing using machine tools, like cutting, drilling, or milling. This is commonly used in manufacturing and engineering contexts. A similar idea can be conveyed using "can undergo machining".

Instead of saying "can be machine", how else can I express that something is suitable for machine use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is machine-compatible", "is suitable for machine operation", or "can be processed by machine". Each option provides a slightly different nuance.

What's the difference between "can be machined" and "can be machine-made"?

"Can be machined" refers to the process of shaping or processing a material using machine tools. On the other hand, "can be machine-made" indicates that a product is manufactured or created by a machine. The former focuses on the process, while the latter focuses on the origin or method of creation. Use "can be crafted by machine" as an alternative to "can be machine-made".