can be required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be required" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something may be necessary or obligatory in certain situations. Example: "In order to complete the application, certain documents can be required to verify your identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tenants in an illegal conversion can be required to leave if the violation cannot be corrected.

The New York Times

If convicted, they can be required to attend three counselling sessions with drug or health workers.

The Guardian

Those suspected of carrying the virus can be required to have shoes, clothing and possessions disinfected.

The New York Times

Under a standard known as "reasonable suspicion," you can be required to provide your fingerprint.

The Washington Post

Cost-reduction payments can be required, but usually only for customers with weak credit ratings.

The New York Times - Style

On security, women can be required to lift their veils if necessary.

The Economist

You say that women can be required to lift their veils "if necessary".

The Economist

It is "simply untenable", he said, that "they can be required to wait" for equal protection.

The Economist

Only students in third grade and up can be required to attend summer school under Board of Education policy.

The New York Times

In such a play, a towering central performance can be required for the piece to function at all.

The Guardian

If a company skips its required pension contributions, it can be required to pay a big excise tax.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be required", ensure the context clearly states who or what is imposing the requirement, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "can be required". Opt for active voice when possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "Supporting documents can be required", consider "We may require supporting documents".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be required" functions as a modal verb construction indicating possibility or potential necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable, suggesting that something may be necessary in certain situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be required" is a versatile modal verb construction used to express potential necessity or obligation. As Ludwig AI attests, it is grammatically sound and commonly employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While "can be required" is generally appropriate, consider using the active voice for clearer writing and exploring alternatives like "may be necessary" or "might be needed" to fine-tune your message. Remember to clearly specify who or what is imposing the requirement to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be necessary

Emphasizes the possibility of needing something, softening the requirement.

might be needed

Suggests a lower probability than "can be required".

could be essential

Highlights the importance or criticality of something.

may be obligatory

Highlights the obligatory nature of something.

might be compulsory

Implies that something is mandated or enforced by a rule or law.

is potentially needed

Focuses on the potential need for something, without strong emphasis.

could prove necessary

Suggests something's necessity might become apparent in the future.

is sometimes needed

Indicates something isn't always required, but occasionally is.

is liable to be needed

Suggests a higher likelihood of being needed compared to 'might'.

is subject to be required

Implies a dependency on specific conditions or regulations for the requirement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be required" indicates that something is potentially necessary or obligatory. For example, "Additional documentation "can be required" for international applicants".

What's a more formal alternative to "can be required"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "may be necessary", "might be needed", or "could be essential" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be required"?

While "can be required" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "Changes "can be required"", try "We may require changes".

What's the difference between "can be required" and "must be required"?

"Can be required" indicates a possibility or potential need, while "must be required" suggests a definite obligation. The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to convey.