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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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can be overcomed

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

'can be overcomed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about obstacles or challenges that can be overcome with effort. For example: "The financial difficulty we're facing can be overcomed with a good saving plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This detrimental aspect can be overcomed to an extent, using a higher conductive host medium like Si nitride which has a lower bandgap energy than SiO2.

One disadvantage of the azanucleosides is their instability in aqueous solutions [18], [19], but this can be overcomed by the use of other more stable analogues, such as zebularine or 5 fluoro-deoxycytidine (5-F-CdR) (Fig. 1A), which also inhibit DNA methylation after incorporation into DNA [17].

Science

Plosone

Several neurotrophins cannot cross the blood brain barrier (BBB); however, this problem can be overcomed by replacing them with neurotrophin-mimetic compounds or with compounds that stimulate neurotrophin expression and can penetrate the BBB.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This can be overcome.

Things can be overcome.

They can be overcome.

However, some think this can be overcome.

News & Media

The Economist

Practically everything can be overcome.

These problems can be overcome.

Science & Research

Nature

But those hurdles can be overcome.

News & Media

The New York Times

These attitudinal barriers can be overcome.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "can be overcomed" is grammatically correct and understandable, consider using the more common and widely accepted alternative "can be overcome" to ensure clarity and avoid potential confusion among readers.

Common error

Avoid using "can be overcomed" in formal writing where clarity and conciseness are paramount. Opt for simpler and more conventional alternatives like "can be overcome" to maintain a professional tone.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be overcomed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the potential for a challenge or obstacle to be surpassed or resolved. It describes a possibility, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be overcomed" is grammatically correct but less common than its counterpart, "can be overcome". According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English for expressing that challenges can be addressed with effort. While understandable, it's advisable to favor "can be overcome" in most contexts to ensure clarity and avoid potential awkwardness. Its usage spans across science and news domains, though with limited frequency.

FAQs

Is "can be overcomed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be overcomed" is grammatically correct, though it's less common than "can be overcome". Both convey the possibility of overcoming a challenge.

What does "can be overcomed" mean?

The phrase "can be overcomed" means that a particular problem, obstacle, or challenge is not impossible to resolve or surmount. It implies that with effort or a specific strategy, the difficulty "can be managed".

Which is more common: "can be overcomed" or "can be overcome"?

"Can be overcome" is significantly more common. While "can be overcomed" is understandable, the former is the preferred choice in most contexts.

Are there situations where "can be overcomed" is preferred over "can be overcome"?

No, there are no specific situations where "can be overcomed" is generally preferred. "Can be overcome" is always a safer and more widely accepted choice. Using "can be overcomed" might come off as unconventional.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: