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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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can be operated

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be operated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the functionality or usability of a device, system, or mechanism. Example: "The new software can be operated using a simple interface that is easy to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two screens can be operated independently.

News & Media

The New York Times

It can be operated in air at atmospheric pressure.

The reactor can be operated in batch or continuous mode.

The HIWAR can be operated in the adiabatic mode.

It can be operated in almost any optical laboratories.

The device can be operated horizontal or vertical.

This level can be operated with minimal training.

They can be operated at the best quality level.

The logic can be operated at very low power.

They can be operated both under vacuum and atmospheric pressure.

Once-through and recycling modes can be operated.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications, use "can be operated" to clearly indicate the system's functionality and ease of use for the intended audience. This establishes clear expectations and usability of the device or system.

Common error

Avoid replacing "can be operated" with active voice constructions that obscure the operator. For example, instead of saying "users can operate the system", directly stating "the system "can be operated"" keeps the focus on the system's capabilities.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be operated" functions as a passive construction indicating the capability or possibility of something being used or controlled by an external agent. As Ludwig AI indicates, it clearly states the functionality of a system or device.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be operated" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive construction used to describe the functionality and usability of devices, systems, or processes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including scientific, news, and business domains. When using this phrase, focus on maintaining clarity and avoiding misuse in active voice constructions. Alternatives like "is operable" or "can be used" may provide nuanced variations. As demonstrated by the real-world examples gathered by Ludwig, "can be operated" is a valuable tool for expressing capabilities and control in various settings.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be operated" to describe the functionality of a device or system. For example: "The device "can be operated remotely"" or "The system "can be operated manually"".

What's the difference between "can be operated" and "is operable"?

"Can be operated" emphasizes the action of operating, while "is operable" focuses on the state of being ready to operate. "The device "can be operated remotely"" highlights remote operation as a feature. "The device is operable" simply states it's functional.

What are some alternatives to "can be operated"?

Alternatives include "is able to be used", "is capable of being run", or "is designed to be controlled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be operated" or "can operate"?

"Can be operated" is passive voice, indicating something is acted upon. "Can operate" is active voice, indicating something performs the action. "The machine "can be operated" by one person" versus "One person "can operate" the machine".

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: