can be played

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can be played' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as part of a sentence to indicate the possibility of an action being performed. For example, "This video game can be played on both PC and console."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some console games can be played online.

The Economist

It can be played between the sexes.

Independent

CD's can be played anywhere.

The New York Times

Karen can be played strictly for fun.

The New York Times - Arts

This game can be played internationally too.

Harvard Business Review

Scanner Grabber solves this because conversations can be played back.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The same vector can be played into different variables.

Yale University

It can be played solo or with friends.

Stanford University

These can be played back or set up as reminders.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A recording can be played back and the mistakes erased.

The New Yorker

Basketball can be played alone or in groups.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the capabilities of a game or system, use "can be played" to clearly indicate the accessibility and compatibility across different platforms or modes.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "can be played" with phrases that imply obligation or suggestion, such as "should be played" or "must be played", which carry different connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be played" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or permissibility of an action. It describes that something is capable of being acted upon. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be played" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the possibility or capability of something being played or utilized. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its prevalence in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts underscores its broad acceptance across different registers. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by distinguishing it from similar expressions that might imply obligation or suggestion. By considering these factors, you can effectively incorporate "can be played" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is playable

Focuses on the characteristic of being able to be played.

is able to be played

Adds emphasis to the ability to be played.

may be played

Indicates a possibility of being played.

could be played

Suggests a potential or conditional ability to be played.

is designed to be played

Highlights the intention or purpose of something being played.

is suitable for playing

Specifies that something is appropriate or well-suited for being played.

allows for playing

Emphasizes the permission or allowance of playing.

supports playing

Implies that something facilitates or enables playing.

is optimized for playing

Indicates that something is specifically improved or enhanced for playing.

is configured to be played

Focuses on the setup or arrangement that enables playing.

FAQs

How to use "can be played" in a sentence?

Use "can be played" to describe the capability of something to be used in a game or activity. For example, "This game "can be played" solo or with friends".

What can I say instead of "can be played"?

You can use alternatives like "is playable", "is able to be played", or "may be played" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance, with some emphasizing ability and others possibility.

Which is correct, "can be played" or "can play"?

"Can play" indicates the ability to perform the action, while ""can be played"" describes something that can be acted upon or utilized. For instance, "I can play the piano" versus "This song "can be played" on the piano".

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

"Can be played" indicates a potential or capability, whereas "is played" describes a current or habitual action. For example, "This game "can be played" offline", means that it is possible to play offline but "The game is played every day", indicates a regular routine.