can be repelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be repelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the ability to drive away or resist something, such as an attack or an unwanted influence. Example: "Certain species of insects can be repelled by natural oils, making them less likely to invade your garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It was previously demonstrated that the adhering dust can be repelled from the surface of a slightly inclined panel by applying a low-frequency high-voltage.

Journal of Electrostatics

Though it's useful to learn that even vampires can be repelled by flatulence — maybe we should eat that garlic instead of draping it on our windows.

The New York Times

"If the unbelievers can be repelled... only by using" weapons of mass destruction, then "their use is permissible, even if you kill them without exception".

The New York Times - Magazine

The results suggest that the virus can be repelled by even low levels of immunity and have boosted confidence that a viable vaccine for humans is on the horizon.

The Guardian

You can be repelled by Mr. Heston's actions as president of the National Rifle Association -- he is shown addressing pro-gun rallies that took place in the wake of the school shootings in both Littleton and Flint, Mich.

The New York Times

But over a seven-year period, I did learn a few things about gardening -- not to overwater, how to dilute elephant manure, that rats can be repelled by mint.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

When voters see a candidate with more radical positions on social issues, it can be repelling, especially to undecided and swing voters who can decide elections.

Huffington Post

Not only can the eradication of terrorism and the defence of our most cherished values be pursued simultaneously, indeed they must.Mary RobinsonUN high commissioner for human rightsGenevaSIR – An "attack on freedom" can best be repelled by protecting individual liberty energetically, not diminishing it.

The Economist

And, with this being Norway, the next point on the program was drinking as if your liver is an invading enemy force that can only be repelled by viking-immobilizing quantities of aquavit.

TechCrunch

To investigate whether melanoma cells can also be repelled by this chemokine, Transwell assays were performed as described above, except that the soluble chemokine was added to the upper buffer.

British Journal of Cancer

Its advances cannot, for now, be repelled but its evil messages can and must be repudiated.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific topics, use “can be repelled” to describe phenomena where forces actively drive something away, such as in physics or chemistry.

Common error

Avoid using “can be repelled” to describe mere dislike or disagreement; reserve it for situations where there's an active force or mechanism causing repulsion. Instead, use “disliked”, “rejected”, or “objected to”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be repelled" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the potential for something to be driven away or resisted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its applicability in contexts where an opposing force or influence is present.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be repelled" correctly describes the ability to drive something away or resist it, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used in science and news contexts to explain phenomena involving forces or influences that cause repulsion. While generally neutral, its use should be reserved for situations involving active mechanisms of repulsion, not mere disagreement. Related phrases include "can be deflected" and "can be resisted", each offering nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. Remember to use "can be repelled" to accurately describe scenarios where forces actively drive something away.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be deflected

Focuses on changing the direction of something rather than preventing it from approaching.

can be resisted

Highlights the ability to withstand or oppose something, rather than actively pushing it away.

can be averted

Emphasizes preventing something from happening at all, rather than dealing with it directly.

can be avoided

Stresses the ability to keep away from something.

can be deterred

Focuses on discouraging or preventing something through fear or doubt.

can be turned away

Implies a redirection or rejection of something approaching.

can be shielded against

Suggests protection from something harmful.

can be guarded against

Implies taking precautions to prevent something undesirable.

can be fended off

Emphasizes warding off or defending against an attack or intrusion.

can be fought off

Stresses the act of actively battling against something to prevent it from succeeding.

FAQs

What does "can be repelled" mean?

The phrase "can be repelled" means that something has the ability to be driven away or resisted by a force or influence. It implies that there is an action or mechanism that prevents something from approaching or affecting something else.

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

You can use "can be repelled" to describe various scenarios. For example, "Mosquitoes "can be repelled" by certain scents", or "Attacks "can be repelled" with strong defenses".

What are some alternatives to saying "can be repelled"?

Some alternatives to "can be repelled" include "can be resisted", "can be deflected", or "can be avoided". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can be repelled by" or "can be repelled from"?

Both "can be repelled by" and "can be repelled from" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Can be repelled by" indicates the cause of the repulsion, while "can be repelled from" indicates the location or object being avoided.