can be refined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be refined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for improvement or enhancement of a process, idea, or product. Example: "The initial design of the app is functional, but it can be refined to improve user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And old markets can be refined as they grow.

The Economist

Both processes produce bitumen, which needs extra treatment before it can be refined into petrol.

The Economist

Despite Still's success with swim and rip moves, his pass rush repertory can be refined.

The New York Times

First, he created these fantastic compositions of color and texture; they can be refined over time.

The New York Times

The result is a continually updated text in which comments can be refined, mistakes corrected and duplications eliminated.

The New York Times - Tech

"Everyone needs to work on something, and all of my skills can be refined and made better.

The New York Times - Sports

A major issue confronting museums is to figure out whether their current climate guidelines can be refined.

The New York Times - Arts

Searches can be refined by neighborhood, cuisine or movie genre.

TechCrunch

But the example can be refined to meet these objections.

SEP

Towards the future, the employed confidentiality model can be refined.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Within each subclass, the ordering < can be refined further.

Security Informatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be refined", specify the area or aspect that requires refinement to provide clarity and direction for improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "can be refined" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, focus on active voice to clarify who or what is performing the refinement. For example, instead of "The process can be refined", try "The team can refine the process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be refined" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for improvement or enhancement. Ludwig AI shows this usage across various contexts, suggesting that some aspect or process is capable of being improved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be refined" is a versatile expression indicating potential for improvement across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent and appropriate usage, mainly within scientific, news-related, and business contexts. While grammatically sound, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice. Alternatives such as "can be improved" or "can be enhanced" may offer more direct and active phrasing. Overall, "can be refined" effectively conveys the possibility of making something better through focused effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be improved

Focuses on the general act of making something better, without necessarily implying precision or detail.

can be enhanced

Highlights the augmentation or intensification of certain qualities or features.

can be optimized

Implies making something as effective or functional as possible, often in a technical sense.

can be perfected

Suggests achieving a state of flawlessness or completeness.

can be fine-tuned

Emphasizes making small adjustments to achieve the best or most precise performance.

can be polished

Focuses on improving the surface or presentation, making something smoother or more appealing.

can be sharpened

Highlights the act of making something more focused, clear, or effective.

can be upgraded

Suggests improving something by adding or replacing parts.

can be adjusted

Implies making changes to reach the best or most appropriate form or condition.

can be developed further

Indicates the possibility of expanding on an existing concept or product.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be refined" indicates that something has the potential for improvement or adjustment. For example, "The initial draft "can be refined" to improve clarity".

What can I say instead of "can be refined"?

You can use alternatives like "can be improved", "can be enhanced", or "can be optimized" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be refined" or "should be refined"?

"Can be refined" suggests possibility, while "should be refined" implies a necessity or recommendation. The choice depends on whether refinement is optional or required.

What's the difference between "can be refined" and "needs to be refined"?

"Can be refined" indicates that something has room for improvement, whereas "needs to be refined" suggests that refinement is essential for achieving a desired outcome.