can be removed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be removed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that can be taken away or eliminated, or when referring to something that can be undone or taken back. For example: "The old fencing can be removed to make way for the new landscaping project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The spinal cord also can be removed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The good news: both kinds of stains can be removed.

The New York Times

The helmet can be removed to reveal the hijab.

The New Yorker

And the insert can be removed for cleaning.

The New York Times - Food

Even partition walls can be removed or reinstalled.

The New York Times

But the dial and pump can be removed after adjustment.

The New York Times - Health

Stickers can be removed," he added.

BBC

However, it can be removed.

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

Suspended matter can be removed by filtration.

Applied Water Science

These can be removed within 50 70 %.

Applied Water Science

The attached groups can be removed by heating.

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be removed" when specifying the possibility or ability to take something away or eliminate it. For instance, "The outdated software can be removed to improve system performance."

Common error

While "can be removed" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing less direct. Consider rephrasing sentences to use active voice where appropriate to improve clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The error can be removed by the administrator", try "The administrator can remove the error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be removed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability for something to be taken away or eliminated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be removed" is a versatile and grammatically sound modal passive construction. As Ludwig AI states, it accurately conveys the possibility or permissibility of eliminating something. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science and Wiki. While generally correct, overusing passive voice may reduce writing directness, as explained in the Writing Guidance section. Related alternatives such as "can be disallowed" or "can be overcome" offer nuanced variations. Remember, "can be removed" is frequently employed in instructions, descriptions, and explanations to outline options or procedures clearly and concisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be disallowed

Indicates something is able to be prevented or not permitted, focusing on the action of prohibiting.

can become removed

Suggests a process or change leading to something being taken away, emphasizing the transition.

can be retrieved

Focuses on the ability to recover or get something back, contrasting with the removal.

can be relieved

Emphasizes the potential to alleviate or reduce something negative, such as pain or pressure.

can be overcome

Highlights the ability to conquer or surpass a challenge or obstacle, shifting the focus from removal.

can be disassembled

Refers to the ability to take something apart or break it down into components, often used in a technical context.

can be wiped

Suggests cleaning or erasing something, typically referring to a surface or digital data.

can be ironed out

Implies resolving or smoothing out a problem or difficulty, often in a figurative sense.

can be abolished

Indicates the potential to formally end or eliminate a system, practice, or institution.

can be stripped

Focuses on taking away layers or coverings from something, often in a physical or metaphorical context.

FAQs

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

Use "can be removed" to indicate that something has the ability or possibility to be taken away or eliminated. For example, "This setting "can be removed" if it's causing issues".

What are some alternatives to "can be removed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be disassembled", "can be eliminated", or "can be taken away", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "can be removed" or "can remove"?

"Can be removed" is passive voice, indicating something is acted upon. "Can remove" is active voice, indicating someone/something performs the action. Choose based on whether you want to emphasize the object being acted upon or the actor.

What is the difference between "can be removed" and "should be removed"?

"Can be removed" indicates possibility, while "should be removed" indicates recommendation or necessity. "This component "can be removed"" means it's possible to remove it. "This component "should be removed"" means it's advisable to remove it.