can be readable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be readable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to be understood or easily read. Example: "The document is poorly formatted, but with some adjustments, it can be readable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fiction requires no special training and can be readable, even absorbing, when it breaks the most elementary rules of style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is committed to the proposition that serious history can be readable, enjoyable, and accessible to an interested general public.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A novel can either be readable and inauthentic, or authentic and unreadable.

The Guardian - Books

It is considered that when all points must to be labeled and overlaps are inevitable, the map can be more readable if overlapping labels are placed more distant from each other.

Expert Systems with Applications

The size of the dress a woman wants can be publicly readable by any nearby scanner.

Fashion and Textiles

The magnetic data might not still be readable; drives that can read the disk are scarce; and few word processing packages today can understand WordStar documents.

Stanford University

Will Word 6 be readable?

The New Yorker

A: Most images should be readable.

The New Yorker

It has to be readable.

BBC

It needs to be readable.

WikiHow

The words need to be readable!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider using simpler sentence structures. Complex sentences, while grammatically correct, can sometimes obscure the meaning and make your writing less readable.

Common error

Avoid embedding too many clauses within a single sentence when striving for readability. Break down complex ideas into shorter, more manageable sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be readable" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a potential or possibility. It suggests that something has the capacity to be understood or interpreted easily, often with the implication that certain conditions need to be met. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it expresses a quality that may or may not be currently present.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be readable" indicates a potential for understanding or interpretation. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including science, news media, and academia. Ludwig highlights its versatility in assessing the accessibility of information, offering solutions, or setting expectations. While not as direct as "is readable", it provides a valuable nuance by suggesting a conditional state. Using simpler sentence structures and avoiding overly complex clauses are best practices to enhance readability. Overall, "can be readable" serves as a useful tool in communication, emphasizing the possibility of clarity with appropriate effort or adjustments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is easy to read

A more direct synonym focusing on simplicity in reading.

can be easily understood

More verbose, emphasizes the ease of understanding.

is legible

Focuses on the clarity of the characters or symbols themselves.

is clear

Focuses on the lack of ambiguity in the content.

is understandable

Emphasizes comprehension of the content rather than the ease of reading.

is comprehensible

Similar to understandable, but may imply a greater depth of understanding.

is intelligible

Stresses the capacity to be readily understood.

is accessible

Highlights the ease of reaching or obtaining the information.

lends itself to easy reading

More figurative, focusing on inherent quality that facilitates reading.

is decipherable

Highlights the ability to decode or interpret something.

FAQs

What does "can be readable" mean?

The phrase "can be readable" means that something has the potential to be easily understood or interpreted. It suggests that with certain conditions or adjustments, the text or information will become clear and accessible.

How to use "can be readable" in a sentence?

You can use "can be readable" to describe various types of content. For example, "The handwriting is messy, but "can be readable" with effort" or "The code is complex, but "can be readable" with proper documentation".

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

"Can be readable" implies a potential or possibility, while "is readable" indicates a current state. If something is already easy to read, use "is readable". If it has the potential to be easy to read under certain conditions, use "can be readable".

What are some alternatives to "can be readable"?

You can use alternatives like "is legible", "is understandable", or "is easy to read" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.