can be repaired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be repaired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that an object or situation can be returned to a better state. For example, "The damaged photo can be repaired with a bit of editing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Punctures can be repaired, however.

The Guardian

But they can be repaired.

The New York Times

Septal defects can be repaired surgically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can be repaired to a point.

The Guardian

"I think it can be repaired.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of that equipment can be repaired.

The Washington Post

"It can be fixed; it can be repaired.

The New York Times

"There are fragments that can be repaired," she said.

The Guardian

I don't believe the past can be repaired that way.

The New Yorker

All of these problems can be repaired, of course.

The New York Times

Things can be repaired, but lives cannot be fixed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be repaired" to clearly indicate that something is not beyond help and that a solution exists to restore it to a functional or acceptable state.

Common error

While "can be repaired" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing passive voice in your writing. Sometimes, an active voice construction can make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The bicycle can be repaired", consider "Someone can repair the bicycle."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be repaired" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of restoration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express that something is not beyond fixing. Examples show its broad applicability, ranging from physical objects to abstract concepts like relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be repaired" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression indicating the possibility of restoration or correction. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for various contexts, from fixing physical objects to mending relationships. The phrase enjoys widespread usage, particularly in news media and scientific writing. While it's generally appropriate, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Alternatives like "is fixable" or "can be fixed" may sometimes be preferable for a more direct tone. Therefore, the overall assessment confirms that "can be repaired" is a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be fixed

Simple and direct alternative, suitable for everyday language.

is fixable

Focuses on the characteristic of being able to fix something.

can be restored

More formal synonym, focusing on returning something to a previous state.

is mendable

Emphasizes the action of mending, bringing something back to a usable condition.

is restorable

Highlights the possibility of returning something to its original condition.

can be corrected

Implies an error or fault that can be set right.

can be remedied

Suggests a solution can be found for a problem.

can be recovered

Focuses on regaining something that was lost or damaged.

can be rectified

More formal term for correcting something that is wrong.

can be healed

Used when referring to injuries, emotional wounds or relationships.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be repaired" to indicate that an object or situation is capable of being restored to a better condition. For example: "Although damaged, the antique clock "can be repaired" by a skilled craftsman."

What are some alternatives to "can be repaired"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is fixable", "can be fixed", or "can be restored".

Is it better to say "can be repaired" or "is repairable"?

Both "can be repaired" and "is repairable" are grammatically correct. "Can be repaired" is a verb phrase in the passive voice, while "is repairable" uses an adjective. The choice depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis. For example: "The machine "can be repaired"" versus "The machine is "is repairable"".

In what context is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be repaired"?

The phrase "can be repaired" is suitable in many contexts, especially when discussing physical objects, relationships, or systems that have sustained damage or are not functioning correctly. For example, it is common in discussions about electronics, infrastructure, and interpersonal relationships.