can be preserved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be preserved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to maintain or keep something in its original state or condition. Example: "The historical documents can be preserved through proper archival techniques to ensure their longevity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Posters can be preserved in archives.

The New York Times - Arts

Existing hair can be preserved, however.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Finally, some things can be preserved in amber.

The Guardian

Things can be preserved, we seem to be saying, perfectly, digitally, and for ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that bushel of farm-stand peaches isn't the only thing that can be preserved.

The New York Times

"Not all historic structures can be preserved and kept," he said.

The New York Times

Linklater's lovers are struggling to decide what has been ruined and what can be preserved.

The Guardian - Film

But it is not just the developing world where biodiversity can be preserved, bit by bit.

The New York Times - Science

UNESCO is trying to protect what can be preserved or restored.

The New Yorker

Dead bodies can be preserved in bogs and glaciers, but most survive because of mummification.

The New Yorker

Freedom and justice can be preserved only by courageous people, however.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, use "can be preserved" to indicate the feasibility of maintaining the integrity of samples or data.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid overuse of "can be preserved" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can be kept" or "will last" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be preserved" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility or ability for something to be maintained in a specific condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be preserved" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the possibility or ability to maintain something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered correct and versatile. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, consider using "can be preserved" to discuss the feasibility of maintaining objects, data, or states, particularly in formal or neutral registers. Remember to choose simpler alternatives in casual contexts to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be maintained

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting possibility rather than certainty.

could be conserved

Substitutes "preserved" with "conserved", implying careful management and protection.

can be retained

Uses "retained" as a synonym for "preserved", focusing on keeping something.

is capable of being maintained

Expands the phrase to emphasize the capability of maintaining something.

is able to be kept

Uses "able to be kept" to convey the possibility of retention.

can be safeguarded

Replaces "preserved" with "safeguarded", highlighting the protection aspect.

is suitable for conserving

Uses "suitable for conserving" to highlight the appropriateness of conserving something.

is susceptible to preservation

This alternative uses "susceptible" to show a vulnerability and necessity of preservation

might be protected

Replace can with might, showing lower certainty and preserved with protect

has the potential to endure

Expresses the possibility of lasting through time.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be preserved" is used to indicate that something has the ability to be maintained or kept in its original condition. For example, "Ancient artifacts "can be preserved" in museums with controlled environments."

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

You can use alternatives like "may be maintained", "could be conserved", or "can be retained" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "can be preserved" or "is able to be preserved"?

"Can be preserved" is generally more concise and preferred. "Is able to be preserved" is grammatically correct but can sound more verbose.

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

"Can be preserved" indicates the possibility or ability to preserve something, while "should be preserved" suggests a recommendation or necessity to preserve it.