can be pinpointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be pinpointed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a precise moment in time or a specific location. For example, "The exact time of the accident can be pinpointed to 4:32 pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only around 90% of users can be pinpointed.

The Economist

Problems can be pinpointed and fixed much more quickly.

The Economist

The exact moment of its implosion can be pinpointed with digital, satellite-guided, high-tech accuracy.

The New York Times

By a process of elimination the most likely trouble spots can be pinpointed.

The New York Times

Once these disturbances are mapped, people can be pinpointed within them through their phone's magnetometer.

MIT Technology Review

Unless a parenting opportunity can be pinpointed, our advice is not to intervene at all.

Harvard Business Review

But regional differences and the precise time that Thanksgiving panic kicks in can be pinpointed as never before.

The New York Times - Food

Purnell's probe is allegedly aimed at discovering whether alcoholics can be pinpointed as easily as drug addicts.

The Guardian - Opinion

In NBC's case, the Monday turnaround can be pinpointed to the network's new psychic friend: "Medium," starring Patricia Arquette, above.

The New York Times

But American troops will not shrink from mounting raids in the locations of their foes that can be pinpointed.

The New York Times

The murals are signed Renée Graves and C. D. Graves, but neither name can be pinpointed in directories or census records.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be pinpointed" when you want to emphasize the precision and accuracy with which something can be located or identified, whether it's a specific moment in time, a geographic location, or a particular factor in a complex situation.

Common error

Avoid using "can be pinpointed" when the context doesn't truly involve precise identification. For instance, don't say "the problem can be pinpointed" if you can only offer a general idea of what's wrong; instead, use a more general term like "identified" or "recognized".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be pinpointed" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates the possibility or ability to precisely locate, identify, or determine something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

49%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be pinpointed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb construction that signifies the ability to precisely locate or identify something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, indicating its versatility. While widely applicable, it's best used when conveying a high degree of accuracy and precision. Related phrases include "can be precisely identified" and "can be accurately located".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be precisely identified

Replaces "pinpointed" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing accuracy in identification.

can be accurately located

Focuses on the spatial aspect of pinpointing, highlighting the ability to find the exact location.

can be precisely determined

Shifts the focus to the process of finding something out with certainty.

can be exactly specified

Emphasizes the ability to define or state something clearly and without vagueness.

can be distinctly recognized

Highlights the clarity and ease with which something can be identified.

can be clearly established

Focuses on the ability to prove or demonstrate something beyond doubt.

can be definitely ascertained

Uses a more formal tone to indicate that something can be found out for certain.

can be isolated with precision

Highlights the ability to separate and identify something accurately.

can be designated precisely

Indicates an accurate naming or selection of something.

is capable of being exactly identified

Adds emphasis on the potential or capability for precise identification, using a more formal structure.

FAQs

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

Use "can be pinpointed" to indicate that something can be precisely located or identified. For example, "The source of the error "can be pinpointed" by reviewing the logs".

What are some alternatives to "can be pinpointed"?

Alternatives include "can be precisely identified", "can be accurately located", or "can be exactly specified", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "could be pinpointed" instead of "can be pinpointed"?

Yes, "could be pinpointed" is grammatically correct. "Can" indicates a present or general ability, while "could" suggests a past ability, a conditional possibility, or a more tentative possibility.

What's the difference between "can be pinpointed" and "can be identified"?

"Can be identified" is a broader term, suggesting something can be recognized. "Can be pinpointed" implies a higher degree of precision and accuracy in locating or identifying something; for example something "can be located" in space.