can be repealed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be repealed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing laws, regulations, or policies that have the potential to be revoked or annulled. Example: "The new law can be repealed if it is found to be ineffective or unjust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A piece of legislation can be repealed or amended after the next election.

The New Yorker

Legislation enacted by one Congress can be repealed by the next.

The New Yorker

Indeed, because it does not exist, there is no way it can be repealed, undone, overthrown, or denounced.

The Guardian

The decision had been expected since the Competition Authority general counsel, Per Karlsson, said last week that the Elitserien's ban "can be repealed".

The New York Times

The ban — a relic of the aggressive secularism enforced by modern Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk — can be repealed only by a constitutional amendment.

The New York Times

The assumption is that there will be plenty of room to cut taxes in the future, so that the 2011 sudden tax increase can be repealed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Filibusters of ordinary legislation are slightly less indefensible, because a law can always be repealed by a future Congress.

The New Yorker

And as president, he could do so; presidential orders can simply be repealed by the executive branch.

The Guardian

Those regulations can only be repealed with 60 votes (Republicans currently have 52).

Vice

Because Proposition 63 is an initiative, it can only be repealed through another initiative.

Los Angeles Times

As the Eighth Amendment was written into the Irish constitution, it can only be repealed by a public vote.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be repealed" when discussing laws, regulations, or policies that have the potential to be revoked or annulled. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what "can be repealed".

Common error

Avoid using "can be repealed" when referring to decisions or actions that are irreversible by nature. This phrase applies specifically to things that are formally enacted and therefore formally revocable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be repealed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or potential for a law, regulation, or policy to be revoked. Ludwig AI analysis validates this by presenting numerous examples where this phrase is used in the context of legislative or regulatory actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be repealed" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the revocability of laws, regulations, or policies. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While versatile, it's important to reserve its usage for scenarios involving formal actions that are inherently reversible. Related phrases like "is subject to repeal" offer stylistic alternatives, and avoiding its application to inherently irreversible situations is crucial for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be revoked

Changes the modal verb from "can" to "may", indicating possibility rather than ability.

is subject to repeal

Rephrases the action as a state of being subject to a future event.

is liable to be rescinded

Uses "liable" and "rescinded" to convey a similar meaning with more formal vocabulary.

is open to abrogation

Employs the term "abrogation," which is specific to the cancellation of a law or agreement.

can be overturned

Suggests a reversal of a decision or law, often by a higher authority.

can be invalidated

Focuses on the act of making something null and void.

is capable of being annulled

Uses "annulled" to emphasize the cancellation of something, particularly a marriage or contract.

is eligible for cancellation

Highlights the eligibility or potential for something to be cancelled.

allows for repeal

This alternative highlights that repeal is a possibility.

permits reversal

Focuses on the permission or possibility of a decision being reversed.

FAQs

How is "can be repealed" used in a sentence?

The phrase "can be repealed" indicates that a law, regulation, or policy has the potential to be revoked or annulled. For example: "The controversial law "can be repealed" if public support wanes".

What's a formal alternative to "can be repealed"?

A more formal alternative is "is subject to repeal", which emphasizes that the law or regulation is under the jurisdiction of repeal processes.

Is it always correct to use "can be repealed" when referring to a law?

While "can be repealed" is generally correct for laws, it's crucial to ensure the context allows for repeal. Some laws may have clauses that restrict immediate or easy repeal, which should be considered for accuracy.

What is the difference between "can be amended" and "can be repealed"?

"Can be amended" means the law can be changed or modified, while "can be repealed" means the law can be entirely revoked or canceled.