can be renamed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be renamed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of changing the name of an object, file, or concept. Example: "The file can be renamed to better reflect its contents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

According to the Met's legal department, it was not named for Wallace in perpetuity, so presumably it can be renamed.

The New Yorker

Community boards must weigh in before any streets can be renamed, though the ultimate decision rests with the City Council.

The New York Times

But, if it again proves unpopular, perhaps the team can be renamed the Washington Lobbyists, to reflect more up-to-date power realities.

The New Yorker

Even at the federal level, there are few guidelines for when a public building can be renamed (though the government does bar honoring living people on stamps and currency).

The New York Times

The success that has been achieved with the two bacterial species E. coli BL21 and B. subtilis 168 showed that the VFAE protocol can be renamed as the "vectorless integrative-vector technique".

AMB Express

For instance, any file landing on the desktop can instantly be given an orange label, or imported images can be renamed immediately and automatically then moved to a dedicated folder ready for tagging.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Users are provided with links to EntrezGene web pages describing each alternative so that they can then choose one of them to remove any ambiguity (the orange gene name can thus be renamed using one of the alternative official names).

Bioinformatics

The feed is auto-named "FeedShake" but can of course be renamed in your reader to whatever you want.

TechCrunch

A headline in these pages on Thursday morning talked of "Spurs' battle to avoid Thursday nights on Channel 5", leading some wags to ask: "Why just Thursdays?" There are other nights on Channel 5 – or CSI Channel 5, as I believe it might be renamed – when you can visit several of the US's major cities without ever leaving the scene of a crime.

The Guardian - Sport

It will be renamed once the six local authorities can agree on an official name.

BBC

It will be renamed WUCF.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be renamed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what has the authority to rename something. For example, "The project can be renamed by the project lead".

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice with "can be renamed". Opt for active voice where possible to improve clarity and directness. Instead of "The file can be renamed", consider "You can rename the file."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be renamed" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility or permissibility of changing the name of something. Ludwig confirms this usage, highlighting its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be renamed" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to denote the possibility of changing a name. Ludwig confirms its validity, and the analysis reveals its common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and wiki articles. While "can be renamed" is acceptable, paying attention to active versus passive voice will improve your writing style. It's important to consider the implied agency in renaming and to choose the most precise alternative based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to be renamed

Emphasizes the capability to rename, focusing on the 'is able' component.

may be renamed

Indicates a possibility or permission for renaming, rather than a definite action.

could be renamed

Suggests a potential for renaming, often depending on certain conditions or decisions.

might be renamed

Similar to 'may be renamed', highlighting a possibility that is less certain.

is eligible for renaming

Focuses on the qualification or entitlement to be renamed, implying specific criteria must be met.

is subject to renaming

Indicates that renaming is a process that something will undergo, often due to a policy or decision.

is liable to be renamed

Suggests a probability or tendency to be renamed, potentially due to negative connotations or obsolescence.

can have its name changed

This alternative changes the structure to focus on the action of changing the name rather than the possibility.

is open to renaming

Implies that renaming is being considered or is a possibility under discussion.

is available for renaming

Focuses on the availability of renaming as an option, suggesting a freedom to change the name.

FAQs

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

Use "can be renamed" to indicate the possibility or permission to change the name of something. For example, "This file "may be renamed" after the project is complete."

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

You can use alternatives like "is able to be renamed", ""may be renamed"", or "could be renamed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be renamed" or "can rename"?

"Can rename" indicates the ability to perform the action of renaming, while "can be renamed" indicates the possibility of something undergoing the action of being renamed. For example, "I can rename the file" versus "The file "can be renamed" by an administrator".

What's the difference between "can be renamed" and "is renamed"?

"Can be renamed" implies a potential action, whereas "is renamed" indicates a completed action. "The street "can be renamed" after the vote" (potential) versus "The street "was renamed" yesterday" (completed).