can be minimised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be minimised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ways to reduce or lessen something, such as risks, costs, or negative impacts. Example: "To improve efficiency, we need to identify areas where expenses can be minimised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that, too, can be minimised.

The Economist

Errors, whether systematic or human, will never be eliminated, but they can be minimised.

The Guardian - Sport

The better, cheaper prospects where fugitive emissions can be minimised will be favoured".

The Guardian

Impacts on wildlife can be minimised by careful site selection and by avoiding areas of high conservation or habitat value.

The Guardian

Aronson believes the threat can be minimised by fostering a sense of trust between teachers and pupils in schools.

The Guardian

They conclude that, although financial globalisation has big costs, these can be minimised and potential gains increased by better policy.

The Economist

The potential costs can be minimised if the other side can also be tarred with the dynastic brush.

The Economist

The power of nature can only be defied so far, but with careful selection of products the ongoing maintenance of the scheme can be minimised.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although Nice confirms that link, it also suggests that the risks are less onerous than previously thought and that with proper monitoring they can be minimised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Long-haul flights for meetings can be minimised, for example, through the use of the uncannily realistic broadband video conferencing now emerging.

The Guardian

Walter tries to persuade himself that the ecological damage can be minimised and is worth the price of saving the warbler.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be minimised", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or strategies will lead to the reduction. For instance, "Risks can be minimised by implementing safety protocols."

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "can be minimised". Instead of "Mistakes can be minimised", try "We can minimise mistakes" for a more direct and active tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be minimised" functions as a modal passive construction. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the potential or possibility of reducing something. This construction is frequently used to discuss strategies and actions that could lead to a reduction in negative impacts or undesirable outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be minimised" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that conveys the possibility of reducing something undesirable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's applicable across various contexts, particularly in Science and News & Media. While its register is neutral, opting for active voice alternatives may enhance directness in writing. Remember to clearly specify the actions that lead to minimisation and to select spellings (minimised vs. minimized) appropriate for your audience. Semantically related alternatives include "can be reduced" and "can be lessened".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be lessened

Focuses on a reduction in degree or intensity.

can be reduced

Highlights the act of making something smaller or less.

can be decreased

Emphasizes a quantitative reduction in size, extent, or amount.

can be curtailed

Implies a restriction or limitation, often in scope or duration.

can be diminished

Suggests a reduction in importance or quality.

can be alleviated

Highlights the easing or relief of something negative, like pain or suffering.

can be mitigated

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of something harmful.

can be attenuated

Implies a weakening or reduction in force or intensity.

can be truncated

Suggests shortening by cutting off.

can be subdued

Focuses on bringing under control or reducing intensity.

FAQs

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

Use "can be minimised" to suggest that something undesirable has the potential to be reduced. For example, "The impact of the new policy "can be minimised" with proper training."

What's a formal alternative to "can be minimised"?

In formal contexts, you could use alternatives like "can be reduced", "can be mitigated", or "can be alleviated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be minimised" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be minimised" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb 'can' with the passive form of the verb 'minimise', indicating possibility or ability in a passive construction.

Which is more appropriate: "can be minimized" or "can be minimised"?

"Can be minimised" is the British English spelling, while "can be minimized" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but choose the spelling that aligns with your target audience or style guide.