can be recaptured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be recaptured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of regaining something that was lost or taken away. Example: "The essence of the original artwork can be recaptured through careful restoration techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It remains to be seen how that sparkle can be recaptured.

The Guardian

The stag, after it goes to bay can be recaptured with a halter.

The New Yorker

Now this nearly forgotten moment in the story of Britain's black diaspora can be recaptured in word and sound.

The Guardian

Rubinstein ends this book with the hope that the "authentic" Zionism of Israel's founders can be recaptured.

The New York Times - Books

The nanophosphor can convert the near-infrared solar spectrum to visible region (near 550 nm), in which the energy can be recaptured by P3HT.

Electrochimica Acta

Rusedski, like Henman, will talk the best of talks, and both will do their very best to convince themselves that the past can be recaptured.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

A released vertical dimer can either be recaptured or, if it encounters an unactivated holoenzyme that is open transiently, it can be incorporated into that holoenzyme.

eLife

Longtime residents of the area believe that the past can still be recaptured.

The New York Times

One aspect of early television that can never be recaptured is the combined sense of astonishment and glamour that greeted the medium during its infancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A colleague said that you can get away with such a liberal policy in Rwanda because the country is so small and crowded that prisoners can easily be recaptured if they do decide to go on the run.

The Guardian

Songs like "Hazy Shade of Winter," "Leaves That Are Green" and "Old Friends," and one the duo performed from Mr. Simon's solo career, "Slip Slidin' Away," see the present disappearing into a past that can never be recaptured.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be recaptured" to convey the possibility of regaining something intangible, such as a feeling, a moment, or a state of mind. For example, "The joy of childhood can be recaptured through simple pleasures."

Common error

Avoid using "can be recaptured" when referring to physical objects that can be simply 'found' or 'retrieved'. "Recaptured" implies a sense of regaining something that was lost in a more abstract sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be recaptured" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility of an action being performed on a subject. As supported by Ludwig, this implies that something is in a state where it is possible to be regained or retrieved.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be recaptured" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the possibility of regaining something that has been lost. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency in news, scientific, and academic sources suggests a broad applicability, while its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. Remember to use it when discussing intangible concepts and avoid applying it to simple, physical retrieval. Consider alternatives like "can be regained" or "can be recovered" for slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be regained

Focuses on the act of getting something back, emphasizing the recovery aspect.

can be retrieved

Highlights the act of finding and extracting something, often from storage or a database.

can be recovered

Emphasizes the restoration of something to its original condition or state.

can be restored

Similar to 'recovered', but often implies a more thorough process of bringing something back to its former state.

can be reclaimed

Suggests taking something back that was previously lost or abandoned, emphasizing ownership.

can be won back

Implies effort and competition in regaining something, often used in contexts of relationships or territory.

can be reacquired

Focuses on the act of obtaining something again, often after a period of not having it.

can be regenerated

Emphasizes the process of renewal or regrowth, often used in biological or environmental contexts.

can be resurrected

Implies bringing something back from a state of dormancy or disuse, often with a sense of revival.

can be re-established

Highlights the act of setting something up again, often after a disruption or failure.

FAQs

What does "can be recaptured" mean?

The phrase "can be recaptured" means that something lost or taken away has the potential to be regained or experienced again. This often refers to intangible things like feelings, moments, or qualities.

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

You can use "can be recaptured" to describe the possibility of regaining something that was lost. For example, "The magic of that evening "can be recaptured" by revisiting the same location."

What are some alternatives to "can be recaptured"?

Some alternatives to "can be recaptured" include "can be regained", "can be recovered", or "can be retrieved", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "can be recaptured" in formal writing?

Yes, "can be recaptured" is appropriate for formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and is used in various reputable sources, including news and scientific publications. The register is neutral, so it can be adapted to many different contexts.