can be privileged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be privileged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing rights, access, or advantages that may be granted to certain individuals or groups. Example: "Certain information can be privileged, meaning it is protected from disclosure in legal proceedings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Others argue that self-knowledge can be privileged even if it rests on inference (Dretske 1994; Byrne 2005).

SEP

Consequently no particular type of ascertainment (clinical or ultrasound) of macrosomic fetuses can be privileged.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But how can it be privileged from us, the board, because we are the client?" A District of Columbia law gives charitable board members, or their representatives, the right to examine the charity's books and records.

The New York Times

Given that the development of any trait involves the interaction of both genetic and nongenetic factors, on what bases can genes be privileged as causes in order to claim that a particular disease or nondisease trait is "genetic" or caused by a "genetic susceptibility" or "genetic predisposition"?

SEP

One of the jobs of the metamodernist is to layer texts (and ideas, and identities) but leave ambiguity as to which should -- or even can -- be privileged.

Huffington Post

How can you be privileged in some ways, but not privileged in others?

Huffington Post

"Religious freedom means that all voices may contribute to our national conversation, but particular religious perspectives on gender identity can neither be privileged, nor permitted to control the interpretation of statutes and regulations applicable to all," the pro-Grimm brief states.

Huffington Post

Similarly, in the face of such interdependent mechanisms involved in transcription, regulation, and expression, can DNA alone be privileged as the bearer of hereditary information, or is information distributed across all such entities and activities (see Section 2.2)?

SEP

"There can be no privileged U.S.-Mexico relationship without actual progress on substantive issues in our bilateral agenda," Mr. Fox said.

The New York Times

In this context, double bonds can be considered privileged starting materials, as they are easily accessible and robust feedstocks, but are also amenable to flexible functionalization.

Chemical Society Reviews

Which evaluations and strands should be privileged?

City, Territory and Architecture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be privileged", ensure the context clearly defines what grants the privilege and to whom it applies. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "can be privileged" without providing supporting evidence or a clear rationale for the claimed privilege. Unsupported assertions can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be privileged" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that something has the capacity to receive special advantages or a specific status under certain conditions. As shown by Ludwig, it can be applied to information, people, or even chemical structures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be privileged" is a modal verb phrase that expresses the potential for something to receive special advantages or status, as verified by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts. The phrase's usage suggests a neutral to formal register, depending on the source. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the conditions under which privilege can be granted to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "may be favored" or "could be preferred" offer slight variations in meaning. However, be cautious about overstating unsubstantiated claims of privilege without evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be favored

Replaces "can" with "may" and "privileged" with "favored", softening the assertion of advantage.

might be advantaged

Substitutes "can" with "might" and "privileged" with "advantaged", suggesting a possibility of benefit.

could be preferred

Replaces "can" with "could" and "privileged" with "preferred", indicating a potential choice or selection.

may receive preference

Rephrases to emphasize the act of receiving a benefit instead of possessing a privileged status.

could gain an advantage

Shifts the focus to the act of gaining an advantage, making it more active than a static state.

might enjoy special status

Emphasizes the enjoyment of a particular status, rather than the inherent privilege.

may benefit from priority

Highlights the benefit derived from having priority, altering the perspective slightly.

could be given precedence

Focuses on the act of giving precedence, which changes the emphasis from inherent privilege to granted priority.

might have exclusive access

Highlights exclusive access as the form of privilege, which is a specific type of advantage.

may obtain preferential treatment

Focuses on obtaining treatment, indicating a process rather than a static condition of being privileged.

FAQs

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

Use "can be privileged" to indicate that something has the potential to receive special advantages, access, or status depending on specific conditions. For example, "Certain information "can be privileged" in legal proceedings if it meets specific criteria."

What's the difference between "can be privileged" and "is privileged"?

"Can be privileged" suggests a potential for privilege under certain conditions, while "is privileged" indicates that something currently holds a privileged status. The former expresses possibility, the latter, a present reality.

Which is correct, "can be privileged" or "may be privileged"?

Both "can be privileged" and "may be privileged" are grammatically correct. "Can be privileged" emphasizes the possibility or ability to be privileged, while "may be privileged" suggests a permission or likelihood. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to "can be privileged"?

You can use alternatives like "might be favored", "could be preferred", or "may enjoy special status" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in expressing the idea of advantage or preference.