can be reacted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be reacted" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used in contexts discussing chemical reactions or responses, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The substance can be reacted with an acid to produce a salt."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Urea is broken down to cyanuric acid, which then can be reacted to form melamine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylenes (MAH-g-PE) can be reacted with polyols to create fine phase dispersions in polyurethanes.

Polymer

In this research, we develop degradable and photocrosslinkable poly(lactic acid -g-PVA multifunctionacid -g-PVAs thacid -g-PVAeacted in solution to formultifunctionaltworks.

Biomaterials

Reduction of graphite by lithium in liquid ammonia yields graphite salts that can be reacted with dodecyl iodide to yield soluble dodecylated graphite.

Carbon

Depending on the relative amounts of W to Pd, the Pd nanoparticles can be reacted with W to form Pd–W alloy nanoparticles.

Electrochimica Acta

Reduction of activated charcoal by lithium in liquid ammonia yields charcoal salts that can be reacted with dodecyl iodide to yield soluble dodecylated activated charcoal.

Carbon

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Another aspect of sensitivity can be reacting to the emotions - and perhaps thoughts - of others.

Huffington Post

They can either be reacted with acid (sulfuric is most common), degraded using enzymes produced from microbes, or heated to a gas and reacted with chemical catalysts (thermo-chemical).

Forbes

This initial reaction produces pure zinc, which can subsequently be reacted with water to produce hydrogen.

Wikipedia

These CPP intermediates, in turn, can then be reacted upon by class I stereospecific labdane-related diterpene synthases.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

This can then be reacted with a range of epoxides directly to obtain the "hot" enantioenriched fluorohydrins.

Chemical Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer active voice constructions like "can react" or "is reactive" for clearer and more concise writing. Avoid the passive construction "can be reacted" unless emphasizing the object being acted upon is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice unnecessarily, as it can make sentences less direct and harder to understand. Instead of saying "The chemical can be reacted with acid", use "The chemical can react with acid" to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be reacted" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for a substance or entity to undergo a chemical reaction or some form of interaction. While the phrase appears across various contexts in Ludwig, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be reacted" is used to express the potential for a substance or entity to undergo a reaction, particularly in scientific contexts. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. While it appears in various sources like ScienceDirect, Wikipedia, and Britannica, it's advisable to favor active voice alternatives such as "can react" or "is reactive" for clearer and more grammatically sound writing. The usage summary indicates that it's a common phrase, but this doesn't negate its grammatical shortcomings. Therefore, writers should exercise caution and prioritize clarity when describing reactive properties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can react

More grammatically sound alternative using the active voice.

is able to react

Replaces the passive construction with a more direct expression of capability.

can undergo a reaction

Emphasizes the process of reacting, suitable for technical contexts.

can participate in a reaction

Highlights the involvement of a substance in a reaction.

is reactive

Describes a substance's inherent tendency to react.

can be made to react

Suggests that the reaction requires specific conditions or actions.

may react

Indicates a possibility or likelihood of reaction.

is susceptible to reaction

Highlights the vulnerability of a substance to a reaction.

can be induced to react

Implies that the reaction needs an external trigger.

can be transformed by reaction

Focuses on the change resulting from the reaction.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "can be reacted"?

The phrase "can react" is generally a better choice. It's more direct and follows standard English grammar. For example, instead of saying "The substance can be reacted with water", say "The substance "can react" with water".

When is it appropriate to use the passive construction "can be reacted"?

While generally discouraged, the passive construction might be appropriate when the focus is on the object being acted upon rather than the actor. However, even in such cases, consider if rephrasing with active voice provides more clarity.

What are some synonyms for "can be reacted" that I can use in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, consider using phrases like "is reactive", "can undergo a reaction", or "can participate in a reaction" for precision and clarity.

Is there a difference in meaning between "can react" and "can be reacted"?

While the intended meaning might be similar, "can react" is grammatically preferred and conveys a sense of inherent ability, whereas "can be reacted" implies an external action performed on the subject. Choosing ""can react"" often results in a clearer sentence.