can be opened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be opened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it if you want to indicate that something has the potential to be opened. For example: "The door can be opened from both sides".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pliers slide forward, the can opener can be opened via a small metal stud, and even the standard and Philips screwdrivers can be opened single handedly.

TechCrunch

In the RoB problem facility opening costs are 0 and facilities can be opened anywhere.

Computers and Operations Research

Any pump can be opened.

The New York Times

The file can be opened for printing.

Cornell University

Application accounts can be opened at any time.

Cornell University

can be opened through the use of such tools.

University of California, Berkeley

Note: Jar can be opened or closed at any time.

The New York Times

The house's electronic gate can be opened only from within.

The New York Times

"They definitely can be opened up," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"The windows can be opened," said Carmi Bee.

The New York Times

Typically, only one Isa can be opened each tax year.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be opened", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is capable of being opened. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be opened" in contexts where the active voice would be more direct and informative. For example, instead of "The door can be opened by anyone", consider "Anyone can open the door."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be opened" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or ability for something to be opened. As supported by Ludwig AI, it describes a state or potential action that can be performed on a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

35%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be opened" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates the potential for something to be opened. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it’s essential to ensure clarity in your writing by specifying what "can be opened", this phrase offers a concise way to describe the accessibility or operational aspects of an item. Considering alternatives such as "is able to be opened" or "may be opened" can provide nuanced variations to your expression. Ultimately, understanding the grammatical function and appropriate contexts for "can be opened" enhances your writing precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to be opened

This alternative emphasizes the ability or capability of something to be opened.

is capable of being opened

Highlights the capability or potential for something to be opened, often implying a technical or design aspect.

may be opened

This suggests permission or possibility, indicating that opening something is permissible or might happen.

is permitted to be opened

This formally states that opening something is allowed or authorized.

has the ability to open

This shifts the focus to the subject and its inherent ability to open something, rather than the object being opened.

is designed to be opened

This highlights the intended design or purpose, suggesting the item was specifically made to be opened.

allows for opening

This indicates that something provides the opportunity or condition for opening.

facilitates opening

This suggests that something makes the process of opening easier or more convenient.

can be accessed

Focuses on the act of gaining entry or access, which may or may not involve physically opening something.

is unsealable

Emphasizes the state of not being able to be sealed; the opposite of this is assumed to be able to be opened.

FAQs

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

Use "can be opened" to describe something's capability of being opened, such as "The window "can be opened" for ventilation" or "This file "can be opened" with a text editor".

What are some alternatives to "can be opened"?

Alternatives include "is able to be opened", "may be opened", or "is permitted to be opened", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "can be opened" imply?

The phrase "can be opened" implies that something has the capability or possibility of being opened. It suggests that the action of opening is feasible, whether physically, digitally, or metaphorically.

Which is correct, "can be opened" or "is able to open"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can be opened" focuses on the object and its potential, whereas "is able to open" focuses on the agent or subject and its ability to perform the action. Therefore, use depends on the intended emphasis.