can be prescribed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be prescribed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or formal contexts to indicate that a treatment or medication is authorized to be given by a qualified professional. Example: "This medication can be prescribed to patients suffering from chronic pain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Biases that can be prescribed became nudges.

The Guardian

It can be prescribed for limited medical uses.

The New York Times - Sports

Pressures and volume velocities (accelerations) can be prescribed.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The drug can be prescribed off-licence by psychiatrists in exceptional cases.

The Guardian

Experts say the drug reduces the urge to drink and can be prescribed alongside counselling support.

The Guardian

Every patient can be prescribed something completely different, an "individualised" prescription - it doesn't matter.

The Guardian

Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate, which can be prescribed as a painkiller in carefully measured doses.

The Guardian

It can be prescribed for legitimate uses such as for cancer patients.

The Washington Post

Stronger aluminium chloride-based antiperspirants can be prescribed, although they often cause skin reddening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No general rule can be prescribed; experience is always the best teacher with any growing project.

The New York Times - Style

Although electrical stimulation can be prescribed on the NHS, referrals to special "continence centres" aren't routine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, prefer "may be prescribed" when indicating possibility or recommendation, and reserve "can be prescribed" for instances where ability or authorization is the primary focus.

Common error

Avoid using "can be prescribed" in informal conversations or writing where simpler alternatives like "recommended" or "suggested" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a formal, often medical, connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be prescribed" functions as a passive construction indicating that a particular action (prescribing) is possible or permissible for a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be prescribed" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction primarily used in medical and formal contexts to indicate that a treatment, medication, or intervention is authorized and available through a prescription. As Ludwig AI explains, it's widely accepted and used across authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic publications. While versatile, it is best reserved for formal settings; simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in casual conversations. Remember to clearly specify who can prescribe and under what conditions for optimal clarity. Common errors involve overuse in informal contexts where "recommended" or "suggested" would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be prescribed

Replaces "can" with "may", indicating possibility rather than ability or authorization.

could be prescribed

Uses "could" instead of "can", suggesting a conditional possibility.

is eligible for prescription

Changes the structure to emphasize eligibility for being prescribed.

is allowed to be prescribed

Emphasizes permission or allowance for prescribing.

is available by prescription

Focuses on the availability through a prescription.

is authorized to be prescribed

Highlights the formal authorization for prescribing.

is permitted to be prescribed

Similar to "allowed", but slightly more formal.

is obtainable via prescription

Similar to "available by prescription", but emphasizes the means of obtaining.

is prescribed

Shortened version, emphasizing the act of prescribing.

can be administered

Shifts focus from prescription to administration, implying it follows prescription.

FAQs

What does "can be prescribed" mean?

The phrase "can be prescribed" means that a medication, treatment, or therapy is authorized and appropriate to be ordered by a licensed healthcare professional for a patient. It indicates that the item is available through a prescription.

Who can prescribe something?

The ability to prescribe medications or treatments is typically limited to licensed healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, depending on local regulations. What "is allowed to be prescribed" varies by profession and jurisdiction.

What are some alternatives to "can be prescribed"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "can be prescribed" include "may be recommended", "is available by prescription", or "is eligible for prescription". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize possibility, availability, or eligibility.

Is it correct to use "can be prescribed" in all contexts?

While grammatically correct, "can be prescribed" is best suited for medical or formal contexts. In more casual settings, it might sound overly formal. Simpler phrases like "can be recommended" or "can be suggested" are often more appropriate.