can be positioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be positioned" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the capability or potential for something or someone to be placed or arranged in a particular way. Example: The furniture in this room can be positioned in a variety of ways to create different seating arrangements.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This device can be positioned in an operating theatre.

Breast Cancer Research

Overhead lighting can be positioned to highlight artwork.

The Washington Post

After improvement, specimen with different thicknesses can be positioned easily.

Composite Structures

It also shows how axes can be positioned outside the plot, and bound together.

Harvard University

Guidelines appear dynamically as one moves objects around so that they can be positioned appropriately.

Mac OSX Developer Guide

Therefore, functional groups can be positioned on the DNA scaffold in distinct distance and spatial arrangements.

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews

And windows can be positioned in the façade with considerable architectural freedom.

Renewable Energy

In the near surface type, the disposal structures can be positioned above or below ground.

Nuclear Safety

Each electrode can be positioned at any depth up to approximately 4 mm.

Journal of Neuroscience Methods

The seam can be positioned so that the index finger is perpendicular to it.

The Economist

On Mr. Arikha's canvases, people and objects can be positioned with discomforting asymmetry.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the potential arrangement of items in a space, use "can be positioned" to indicate flexibility and adaptability in layout.

Common error

Avoid using "can be positioned" when an active voice construction would be more direct and concise. For example, instead of "The speaker can be positioned anywhere", consider "You can position the speaker anywhere."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be positioned" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential or ability for something to be placed or arranged in a particular way. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be positioned" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the ability to place or arrange something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's particularly common in scientific, news, and academic contexts, denoting flexibility and adaptability. While generally neutral to formal, its tone adjusts with the source. For clarity, avoid overuse when a direct active voice would be more effective. Remember, while alternatives like "can be placed" exist, "can be positioned" implies a strategic or deliberate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be placed

Focuses on the act of putting something in a specific location.

can be located

Emphasizes the ability to find something in a particular spot.

can be situated

Highlights the setting or placement of something in a specific environment.

can be arranged

Focuses on the organization and order in which something is set up.

can be set

Implies fixing something in a specific position or state.

can be aligned

Highlights the act of positioning something in a straight line or correct relative position.

can be adjusted

Emphasizes the capability to modify the position of something.

can be installed

Focuses on the process of setting something up for use in a particular location.

can be stationed

Implies assigning something to a specific post or location.

can be mounted

Focuses on fixing something onto a surface or structure.

FAQs

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

Use "can be positioned" to describe the ability or potential to place something in a specific location or arrangement. For example, "The sofa "can be positioned" against the wall or in the center of the room depending on your preference".

What are some alternatives to "can be positioned"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be placed", "can be located", or "can be situated", depending on the context.

Is "can be positioned" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be positioned" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction using the modal verb "can" and the past participle "positioned".

What's the difference between "can be positioned" and "can be placed"?

While similar, "can be positioned" often implies a more deliberate or strategic placement, whereas "can be placed" is a more general term for putting something somewhere.