can be reclaimed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be reclaimed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is recoverable or can be restored to a previous state or condition. Example: "The land, once polluted, can be reclaimed through proper environmental efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

And yet, much of what we've lost can be reclaimed.

The New York Times

"So the land can be reclaimed like they were never there".

The New York Times

Finished lead can be reclaimed so we won't run out of it.

The New Yorker

It indicates that, with the proper treatment, offenders can be reclaimed into society.

The New York Times

Redone as a series of corny jokes, the Scouting book can be reclaimed.

The New Yorker

Trust can be reclaimed, and I have no doubt that over time it will be.

The New York Times

Only bank or building society interest which has been taxed can be reclaimed, not share dividends.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Money lost can be recovered again, but a good name tarnished, can never be reclaimed.

Huffington Post

Once lost, Mr. Salazar said, those assets can never be reclaimed.

The New York Times - Science

"[The victims'] childhood and adolescence can never be reclaimed," she said.

The Guardian

That time can then be reclaimed when things are quieter, such as over Christmas and during summer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be reclaimed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being recovered or restored, and the process or means by which this is achieved. For instance, specify what environmental efforts allow land to "can be reclaimed".

Common error

Avoid using "can be reclaimed" without specifying what is being reclaimed. Ambiguity can arise if the subject of reclamation is unclear. Always provide context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be reclaimed" functions as a modal passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or ability of something to be restored or recovered. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often appears in contexts discussing environmental restoration or regaining lost assets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be reclaimed" is a versatile modal passive verb phrase used to express the potential for something to be restored or recovered. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and sees widespread use across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing with "can be reclaimed", it's crucial to clearly define what is being reclaimed to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives such as "can be recovered" or "can be restored" exist, "can be reclaimed" often implies a return to a more functional or useful state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be recovered

Focuses on regaining something lost or taken away; emphasizes the act of getting something back.

can be restored

Highlights the act of returning something to its original condition or former state; emphasizes renewal and repair.

can be retrieved

Emphasizes the ability to find and bring back something that is stored or hidden; focuses on access and return.

can be salvaged

Suggests saving something from ruin or destruction; emphasizes the act of rescuing or preserving something of value.

can be regained

Highlights the process of getting something back, often after a period of loss or absence; emphasizes the effort to reacquire.

can be won back

Implies effort and competition to recover something, typically used for intangible assets like trust or support.

can be redeemed

Focuses on restoring honor or value, often after a mistake or failing; emphasizes atonement and positive transformation.

can be brought back

Emphasizes the action of returning something to a previous state or location; focuses on the act of revival.

can be taken back

Suggests repossessing something that was previously given or lost; emphasizes the act of reclaiming ownership.

can be reacquired

Focuses on obtaining something again, often after a formal process or transaction; emphasizes the act of regaining possession.

FAQs

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

Use "can be reclaimed" to describe something that is recoverable or restorable to a previous condition. For example: "The polluted land "can be reclaimed" through environmental restoration efforts."

What are some alternatives to "can be reclaimed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be recovered", "can be restored", or "can be retrieved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "can be reclaimed" instead of "can be recovered"?

"Can be reclaimed" often implies restoring something to a more useful or functional state, whereas "can be recovered" simply means regaining something that was lost or taken. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of restoration versus retrieval.

Is it correct to say something "can be reclaimed back"?

While understandable, adding "back" to "can be reclaimed" is redundant. The word "reclaimed" already implies the action of getting something back, so saying ""can be reclaimed"" is sufficient.