can be pressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be pressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is capable of being pressed, such as a button or a surface. Example: "The button can be pressed to activate the machine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It can be pressed, he explains.

The Guardian - Film

There are some rights we can be pressed into waiving.

The New York Times - Magazine

What buttons can be pressed to make it much more attractive to do business in India?

The New York Times

It comes from the earth and can be pressed back into the earth.

Independent

Sometimes, of course, they may really mean it but can be pressed into running anyway.

The New York Times

All underwriters remain state-owned and they can be pressed to cater to state-owned clients.

The New York Times

Mr. Castanet's granddaughter Isabelle can be pressed into service to give tours in English.

The New York Times

All of these processes require presses with a movable ram that can be pressed against an anvil or base.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The paper can be pressed onto a painted or primed wall, and can be peeled off and used elsewhere.

The New York Times

It flexes easily and if the arch's curve is shallow enough, the drywall can be pressed into place without cracking.

The New York Times

It's unlikely to be that interesting, but senior researchers can be pressed for time and will happily part with some of their grant in exchange for your work.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be pressed" to describe a button or control, ensure the context clearly indicates what action will result from pressing it. For example: "The red button "can be pressed" to initiate the emergency shutdown."

Common error

Avoid using "can be pressed" excessively in passive voice, which can make your writing sound weak. Consider active alternatives where appropriate. For example, instead of "The button "can be pressed" by the user", write "The user can press the button".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be pressed" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or permissibility of an action being performed on a subject. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. For example, "The paper "can be pressed" onto a painted or primed wall."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be pressed" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive construction. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its usage spans various contexts, from describing physical actions to outlining potential options, and is frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While the phrase is widely accepted, careful writers should consider active voice alternatives to avoid overly passive constructions. Understanding its nuanced applications allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be actuated

Directly states the possibility of something being activated or triggered.

can be activated

Emphasizes the potential for something to become active or operational.

is amenable to pressure

This alternative emphasizes the susceptibility of something to being influenced by pressure.

can be influenced

A broader term that suggests something is susceptible to having an effect on it.

is subject to compression

This phrase specifically refers to the act of compressing something, often physically.

is able to be actuated

This phrase conveys a similar meaning to "is capable of actuation" but uses simpler language.

is capable of actuation

This implies that something can be activated or set in motion, which is related to the idea of pressing a button or switch.

may be triggered

Focuses on the potential for something to be set off or initiated.

is susceptible to force

Highlights the vulnerability to physical force.

is open to persuasion

Focuses on influencing someone's opinion through argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be pressed" to describe something that is capable of being pressed, such as "The button "can be pressed" to start the machine" or "The dough "can be pressed" into a pie crust".

What are some alternatives to "can be pressed"?

Some alternatives to "can be pressed" include "is pressable", "can be pushed", or "can be activated", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be pressed" or "can press"?

"Can press" is an active construction (e.g., "You can press the button"), while "can be pressed" is passive (e.g., "The button "can be pressed""). The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the actor or the object being acted upon.

What is the difference between "can be pressed" and "must be pressed"?

"Can be pressed" indicates that something is possible or permissible to press, while "must be pressed" indicates that something is required to be pressed. For example, "This button "can be pressed" for assistance" versus "This button "must be pressed" in case of emergency".