can be propelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be propelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability of an object or entity to be moved or driven forward by a force or mechanism. Example: "The rocket can be propelled into space using powerful engines that generate thrust."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Sidewall craft can be propelled by water screws or by water jets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If a similar thruster is fitted near the stern, a ship can be propelled sideways or even rotated in place, if the two thrusters act in opposite directions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The thickened mixture, now also called napalm, burns more slowly and can be propelled more accurately and to greater distances than gasoline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With a deft use of the gossamer-light clutch, the car can be propelled to 60 miles an hour in less than 7 seconds.

The New York Times

Blow by blow, this not-very-fictitious-sounding novel depicts the tactics by which political candidates either can be propelled or ambushed and their campaigns can be subverted.

The New York Times - Books

At the end of their life, unless they can be propelled to a higher orbit where they will disintegrate more quickly, they become persistent space junk.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

As a supplement to or replacement for electric power, the C5 can also be propelled via bicycle-style pedals located at the front of the cockpit.

Wikipedia

The changes we need can only be propelled from the grassroots, but the possibilities are badly circumscribed when the far right maintains a grip on state power.

Huffington Post

You need to make sure that the inside of the can is completely smooth, otherwise the contents of the can won't be propelled smoothly upward.

WikiHow

Politics can be considered to be propelled by the reinforcement theory, that people seek out political discussion and information that supports their own political views.

WikiHow

Domestication and engineering application should be propelled sustainably.

Urban Rail Transit

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be propelled", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what is providing the propulsive force. For instance, specify the engine, mechanism, or external factor responsible for the movement.

Common error

Avoid using "can be propelled" in sentences where the subject performing the action is unclear. Instead of saying "It can be propelled", specify what "it" refers to for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be propelled" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the potential or ability of a subject to be moved or driven forward by an external force. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be propelled" is a grammatically sound and commonly used modal passive construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes the potential or ability of something to be moved by a force. Usage spans various fields, including science, news, and encyclopedias, signifying its versatility. To ensure clarity, specify the source of propulsion in your writing. Although "can be propelled" enjoys widespread acceptance, consider alternative phrasings like "can be driven" or "can be moved" based on context to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be driven

Emphasizes the possibility of being driven, suggesting an external force is acting upon it.

is capable of being moved

Highlights the capability to be moved, irrespective of the method.

has the ability to be launched

Focuses on launching, which implies a rapid or forceful propulsion.

can be impelled

Uses a less common synonym, "impelled", to emphasize a forceful push.

is able to be pushed

Simple and direct, focusing on the act of pushing as the means of propulsion.

could be forced forward

Suggests the potential for a compulsion, highlighting directionality

is susceptible to being powered

Emphasizes susceptibility to being powered by a particular energy source.

might be set in motion

Suggests a more general initiation of movement rather than directed propulsion.

can be sent soaring

Highlights a swift upward or onward movement.

is liable to be actuated

Focuses on the mechanism or process that initiates the action.

FAQs

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

Use "can be propelled" to describe an object's ability to be moved forward by a specific force or mechanism. For example, "The rocket "can be propelled" into space by powerful engines."

What are some alternatives to "can be propelled"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "can be driven", "can be moved", or "can be launched".

Is it correct to say "could be propelled" instead of "can be propelled"?

Yes, "could be propelled" is grammatically correct. "Could" implies a possibility or condition, whereas "can" indicates a general ability or capacity. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

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

"Is propelled" describes an action that is currently happening, while ""can be propelled"" describes the ability or potential for something to be moved forward. For example, "The ship is propelled by its engine" versus "The ship "can be propelled" by its engine".