can be pointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be pointed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that can be indicated, directed, or highlighted, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The issues in the report can be pointed out during the meeting for further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can be pointed.

The New York Times - Books

However, several limitations can be pointed out.

Computers & Geosciences

Fingers can be pointed in many directions.

The Washington Post

No finger of blame can be pointed at any perpetrator.

The New York Times

The blame can be pointed at a rare set-piece defensive miscue.

The Guardian - Sport

In my school, when a finger can be pointed, it will be.

The Guardian

It can be pointed out that increasing B2O3 content in glass composition enhances the bioactivity of glasses.

Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy

No influence of the ionic strength, the pH nor of the particle diameter can be pointed out.

Chemical Engineering Science

There are no personal stories, no individuals who can be pointed to as the success of prevention.

The New York Times - Health

The finger can be pointed at privatisation for the pay and conditions facing many workers with outsourced contracts.

The Guardian

Even more double standards can be pointed out regarding per diems, rest and recuperation (R&R), and consultants.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be pointed" to indicate where attention should be directed, whether literally or figuratively. For clarity, ensure the subject receiving the pointing is clearly defined in your sentence.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "can be pointed" in contexts where active voice would be more direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing with active verbs to improve sentence flow and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be pointed" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or capability of directing attention or emphasis towards something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be pointed" is a versatile passive construction used to indicate the possibility of directing attention or emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice. Alternatives like "can be indicated" or "can be highlighted" may offer more direct phrasing in certain contexts. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "can be pointed" to draw attention, highlight details, or indicate direction in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be indicated

Focuses on the act of showing or signifying something.

can be highlighted

Emphasizes the act of making something more noticeable.

can be emphasized

Highlights the act of stressing the importance of something.

can be directed

Focuses on guiding or aiming something towards a specific target.

can be attributed

Highlights the act of assigning a cause or origin.

can be identified

Focuses on recognizing or establishing what something is.

can be noted

Emphasizes the act of taking notice of something.

can be mentioned

Highlights the act of bringing something to someone's attention.

can be specified

Focuses on clearly defining or identifying something.

can be designated

Highlights the act of formally choosing or naming something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be pointed" is used to indicate something that is capable of being directed or highlighted. For example, "Areas of improvement "can be pointed out" during the review process".

What are some alternatives to "can be pointed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "can be indicated", "can be highlighted", or "can be directed".

When is it appropriate to use "can be pointed" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "can be pointed" when you want to emphasize that something is capable of being shown, directed, or indicated, especially in a more formal or objective manner.

What's the difference between "can be pointed out" and "should be pointed out"?

"Can be pointed out" suggests a possibility or capability, while "should be pointed out" implies a necessity or recommendation. The latter indicates that something is important to mention.