can be regained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be regained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of recovering something that was lost or diminished, such as health, trust, or a skill. Example: "With dedication and practice, the skills you once had can be regained over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The question now is whether momentum can be regained.

The Guardian - Tech

Half of the chlorine, present in PVC waste, can be regained as pure HCl gas.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Moreover, the fluorescence can be regained by the addition of bilirubin over other possible coexisting biomolecules.

Analytica Chimica Acta

If there's an imbalance, homeostasis can be regained by making changes to diet.

The Guardian

Haven't we learned that lost trust can be regained only by seismic reforms and close scrutiny?

The New York Times

When a student's attention drifts in a classroom, it can be regained.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Access can only be regained after training is completed.

Columbia University

This information can never be regained once it is lost.

The New York Times

But that image is its trump card, and if it's lost, can it be regained?

The Guardian - Opinion

What's lost can often be regained; the physical is less permanent than the spiritual.

The New York Times

According to the original rulebook, published in 1981, sanity points, once lost, can never be regained.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like trust or confidence, use "can be regained" to emphasize the possibility of recovery through deliberate actions and reforms.

Common error

Avoid using "will be regained" when there's no guarantee of recovery. "Can be regained" acknowledges the possibility without promising a specific outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be regained" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing the possibility that something can be recovered or restored. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The modal verb "can" indicates potential, while "be regained" signifies the passive action of being recovered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be regained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the potential for recovery or restoration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and versatile. The phrase sees common usage in diverse fields like news and science, denoting its neutrality. Its communicative purpose lies in instilling hope by implying that loss isn't necessarily permanent. When aiming for semantic variations, consider alternatives such as "can be recovered" or "can be restored" to match specific contexts. Remember to use this expression when there is a good chance of recovering something, but do not guarantee a specific outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be recovered

Replaces "regained" with "recovered", emphasizing the act of getting something back.

can be restored

Substitutes "regained" with "restored", highlighting a return to a previous condition.

can be retrieved

Uses "retrieved" instead of "regained", focusing on the act of finding and bringing something back.

can be reclaimed

Replaces "regained" with "reclaimed", suggesting the act of taking something back that was previously lost or taken.

can be reacquired

Employs "reacquired" instead of "regained", emphasizing the act of gaining possession again.

can be re-established

Uses "re-established" instead of "regained", highlighting a return to a previous state of stability or functionality.

can be resurrected

Substitutes "regained" with "resurrected", implying a revival from a state of near-death or inactivity.

can be brought back

Replaces "regained" with the phrasal verb "brought back", offering a more informal way to express restoration.

can be won back

Replaces "regained" with "won back", highlighting the effort or competition involved in recovering something.

can be earned back

Employs "earned back" instead of "regained", suggesting that effort is needed to recover something lost.

FAQs

What's the difference between "can be regained" and "can be recovered"?

While both phrases express the possibility of getting something back, "can be regained" often implies a return to a previous state or level, whereas "can be recovered" focuses more on the act of retrieving something that was lost.

When is it appropriate to use "can be regained"?

"Can be regained" is appropriate when discussing the potential to recover something that has been lost or diminished, such as trust, strength, or momentum. It suggests that recovery is possible but not guaranteed.

What are some alternatives to "can be regained"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "can be restored", "can be reclaimed", or "can be recovered".

Is "can be regained" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be regained" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a modal verb ("can") followed by the passive voice ("be regained").