can be passed

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be passed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that something is possible or able to take place. Example: The new bill can be passed by the Congress with a majority vote.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing can be passed on".

The New York Times - Books

No new IPPs can be passed.

The Guardian

"They know anything can be passed around the island".

The New York Times

For every line of attack, guilt can be passed on.

The Guardian

"I don't see how it can be passed on".

The New York Times

No law can be passed without agreement between the two.

The Guardian

Bad laws can be passed by whips doing good jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another cap would limit the period over which renovation costs can be passed down to tenants to 10 years – currently they can be passed down indefinitely.

The Guardian

In open economies, austerity's bite can be passed on to other countries through reduced imports.

The Economist

Remarkably, these methylation patterns can be passed on to offspring – a phenomenon known as epigenetics.

The New York Times

The virus can be passed through intercourse, anal or oral sex, and even kissing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be passed" in a sentence, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being passed and the means or conditions under which it can occur.

Common error

Avoid using "can be passed" when an active voice construction is more direct and clear. For example, instead of "the law can be passed by Congress", consider "Congress can pass the law".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be passed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating possibility or permissibility regarding an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be passed" is a grammatically correct and widely used modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or permissibility of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is particularly common in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using "can be passed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being passed and under what conditions. While passive voice is valid, consider whether the active voice provides a clearer and more direct statement. Overall, the phrase is versatile and readily understood, making it a valuable tool in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is allowed to pass

Focuses on permission or authorization rather than general possibility.

is permitted to be transferred

Highlights the act of transferring something with explicit permission.

is able to be transmitted

Focuses on the ability to transmit something, such as a signal or disease.

is capable of being conveyed

Emphasizes the ability to convey something, often information or a disease.

is eligible for approval

Specifically relates to the possibility of something being approved, like a law or proposal.

can get through

Implies successfully navigating an obstacle or barrier.

is susceptible to passage

Focuses on something being vulnerable to passing through or being passed.

can make it through

Focuses on successfully reaching the end of a process.

may be handed down

Suggests a tradition or inheritance aspect.

is subject to endorsement

Highlights the necessity of endorsement for a thing to be passed.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be passed" to indicate possibility or permission for something to be transferred or approved. For example, "The bill "can be passed" by the Senate" or "This information "can be passed" on to the next generation".

What are some alternatives to "can be passed"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "is allowed to pass", "is able to be transmitted", or "can get through" to convey similar meanings.

Is it always correct to use the passive voice with "can be passed"?

While grammatically correct, using the active voice might be more direct and clearer in certain contexts. Consider whether "Congress can pass the law" is more effective than "The law "can be passed" by Congress".

What is the difference between "can be passed" and "must be passed"?

"Can be passed" indicates a possibility or permission, whereas "must be passed" indicates a necessity or requirement. "The bill "can be passed"" suggests it is possible to pass it. "The bill must be passed" means it is essential to pass it.