can be proprietary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be proprietary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that may be owned or controlled by a specific individual or organization, often in the context of intellectual property or business practices. Example: "The software we are developing can be proprietary, meaning it will be owned exclusively by our company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some New Yorkers can be proprietary about the events of that day, and some who are here, Mr. Wolfe said, have looked at him suspiciously on the street when he has pitched his show to passersby and has told them he is from California.

The New York Times

These services and specialists can be proprietary or attainable through outside sources.

Security and Loss Prevention An Introduction

It can be proprietary, open-source, or in the public domain.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Typically this can be a proprietary web API.

Journal of Cloud Computing: Advances, Systems and Applications

It can also be applied to a company's core team with Miura Ko suggesting, that team authenticity can be true proprietary power.

TechCrunch

As platforms are run using information technology, one important aspect of transparency is associated with the code behind these platforms, which can be inaccessible proprietary software or, more transparently, open source software where the published code is publicly available.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Coaches can be extremely proprietary about their routines and methods, and parents, though present at practice, may not feel able to speak up when they feel something is wrong.

Huffington Post

The shifting role of the CIO group at JPMorgan, which reported record firmwide profit for 2011, underscores how blurry the line can be between "proprietary trading" and hedging, and it highlights the challenge U.S. regulators face in curbing speculative bets by federally backed lenders under the so-called Volcker rule.

Huffington Post

Mr. Partnoy said broad economic hedging carries risks of its own — and sometimes they can be bigger than proprietary bets like the one that brought down MF Global.

The New York Times

The line can be blurred between proprietary trading and legitimate market-making, a practice in which banks hold securities with the intent of selling them to a customer.

The New York Times

But the line can be blurred between proprietary trading and legitimate market-making, a practice in which banks hold securities with the intent of selling them to a customer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing intellectual property or business models, use "can be proprietary" to indicate exclusive ownership and control. This helps clarify the competitive advantage and legal protections associated with the asset.

Common error

Avoid using "can be proprietary" without explaining what specific aspect or element is considered proprietary. Clarify whether it's the technology, algorithm, design, or process to provide a clear understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be proprietary" functions as a descriptor, indicating a potential state of ownership or control. It suggests that something has the ability or potential to be privately owned and protected. Ludwig AI's response confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be proprietary" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates the potential for something to be owned or controlled exclusively. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Though not highly frequent, it appears in diverse contexts such as news, science, and general discussions, implying a neutral formality level. Related phrases like "can be patented" or "can be trademarked" offer more specific connotations. When using the phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to clarify exactly what aspect is proprietary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be exclusively owned

Directly states exclusive ownership, emphasizing the right to control the asset.

can be privately held

Indicates private ownership, differentiating from publicly available resources.

can be trademarked

Focuses specifically on trademark protection, implying legal registration and exclusivity.

can be copyrighted

Highlights copyright protection, relevant for artistic or literary works.

can be patented

Emphasizes patent protection, suitable for inventions and technical solutions.

can be commercially protected

Emphasizes legal and commercial measures to secure ownership and prevent unauthorized use.

can be held confidentially

Focuses on the confidential nature of the information or asset.

can be restricted

Highlights limitations on access or usage, often due to ownership or control.

can be kept secret

Implies that something is deliberately concealed to maintain a competitive advantage.

can be licensed

Focuses on the ability to grant usage rights to others through licensing agreements.

FAQs

What does "can be proprietary" mean in the context of software?

In the context of software, "can be proprietary" means that the software is owned and controlled by a specific individual or company. This gives them exclusive rights to use, modify, and distribute the software, which is typically protected by copyright or other intellectual property laws. It differs from open-source software, which offers more freedom in terms of usage and distribution.

Which is correct, "can be proprietary" or "is proprietary"?

"Can be proprietary" suggests a possibility or potential for something to be owned and controlled, whereas "is proprietary" states that something is currently under exclusive ownership. The appropriate choice depends on whether you're describing a potential state or a current fact.

What are some synonyms for "can be proprietary"?

Alternatives to "can be proprietary" include "can be exclusively owned", "can be patented", or "can be trademarked", depending on the specific type of protection or ownership being discussed.

How does using proprietary technology affect a company's competitive advantage?

Proprietary technology can offer a significant competitive advantage by creating barriers to entry for competitors. It allows a company to offer unique products or services that cannot be easily replicated, leading to increased market share and profitability. However, it also requires ongoing investment in research and development to maintain that advantage.