can be repurposed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be repurposed for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential for something to be adapted or used in a different way than originally intended. Example: "The old warehouse can be repurposed for community events and gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Any word can be repurposed for contempt.

The New York Times

An old gardening gag, say, can be repurposed for a volume on composting.

The New Yorker

Thomson adds that the "same story can be repurposed for a range of different audiences, but its value diminishes with the passing of time".

The Guardian

If the two schools combine, the district expects to save about $700,000 annually in operating costs, money officials say can be repurposed for better educational tools like new computer labs, a science lab, and tablet computers.

The New York Times

Predicted drug for DapB, DB03969 is known to interact with E. coli DapB and can be repurposed for Mtb DapB.

Journal of Cheminformatics

They suggest that many sensors can be repurposed for activity recognition even though they were initially provided for other uses.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

(The mushrooms aren't for sale, but after they're harvested, a portion will be donated to needy families; the coffee grounds can be repurposed as compost for soil remediation in urban areas).

The New York Times

Inside Motelscape, everything can be repurposed and reimagined for art's sake: towels, bedsheets, whatever.

Vice

They can be repurposed during other times, for as flea market spaces, etc.[1].

WikiHow

And while a small percentage of those archival images can be repurposed and resold — through licensing for nostalgic ads, books or online — most cannot, since old news, even if it's photographic, is old news.

The New York Times

But because the detection scheme can be repurposed to detect other targets, it could serve as a platform for a broad array of future diagnostics.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "can be repurposed for", ensure that the new purpose is clearly defined and makes logical sense in the context. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "can be repurposed for" when the repurposed use is impractical or far-fetched. Ensure there's a realistic connection between the original purpose and the new application to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be repurposed for" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the potential or possibility of something being used for a different purpose than its original intention. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse fields demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be repurposed for" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of using something for a different purpose than its original intent. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly found across various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure the connection between the original and repurposed use is logical and clearly articulated. Consider alternatives like "can be adapted to" or "can be reused as" for subtle differences in meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be adapted to

Focuses on the act of making something suitable for a new purpose through modification.

can be reused as

Highlights the act of using something again, potentially in a similar or different capacity.

can be converted into

Emphasizes the transformation of something into a different form or function.

can be transformed for

Similar to 'converted into', but with a focus on a more significant change or alteration.

can be modified for

Highlights the act of changing something to fit a new purpose.

can be employed in

Focuses on using something in a specific context or application.

can be utilized as

Similar to 'reused as', but with a slightly more formal tone.

is suitable for adaptation to

Expresses the potential for something to be changed to fit a new purpose, using a more formal structure.

is able to be reworked for

Indicates the possibility of modifying something for an alternate function.

can serve as a basis for

Suggests something can be used as a starting point for something else.

FAQs

How can I use "can be repurposed for" in a sentence?

Use "can be repurposed for" when you want to express that something is able to be used for a purpose other than its original intent. For example, "Old shipping containers "can be repurposed for" housing or storage."

What are some alternatives to "can be repurposed for"?

You can use alternatives like "can be adapted to", "can be reused as", or "can be converted into" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can be repurposed for" or "can be used for"?

"Can be used for" is a more general term, while "can be repurposed for" implies that something is being used for a different purpose than it was originally intended. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the change in purpose.

What does "repurposed" mean in "can be repurposed for"?

In the phrase "can be repurposed for", "repurposed" means to use something for a different purpose than its original one, often involving some form of modification or adaptation.