can be restrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be restrained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the ability to limit, control, or hold back something or someone. Example: "In certain situations, emotions can be restrained to maintain professionalism."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unless it can be restrained, audiences and recitalists should complain.

The Guardian - Music

Wire is graceful and can be restrained, whimsical or (with talent) Calderesque.

The New York Times

Therefore, the tin's shedding from the current collector can be restrained.

Journal of Power Sources

Symptoms can be restrained with drugs like Sinemet, but no cure has been found for the disease.

The New York Times

Their heights vary from six inches to six feet and they can be restrained charmers or rampantly spreading pests.

The New York Times

Wiping out the means by which greedy commercial cutters can be restrained is the last thing this country needs.

The New York Times

With six such elements appropriately placed, all 6 d.f. of relative motion between the two bodies can be restrained.

Precision Engineering

He said Turner had not yet focused on the role shareholders can play in the running of organisations and how pay can be restrained.

The Guardian - Business

We must face resolutely the grim realities of this hour, fully cognizant of the fact that the Communists can be restrained only by firmness and countervailing power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is found that wear can be restrained when the slip direction is transverse, and if the support has a concave contour.

Wear

Disapproves of advocacy groups independent of campaigns advertising for or against a candidate, and of wealthy people running for office with their own money, but says he does not think either one can be restrained legally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be restrained" to express the possibility of limiting or controlling something, particularly when discussing abstract concepts or potential actions. For example, "Aggression can be restrained through therapy."

Common error

While versatile, "can be restrained" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In those situations, consider using alternatives like "can be held back" or "can be controlled" to keep a friendlier tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be restrained" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or capability of something being limited or controlled. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show the phrase used in various contexts to express potential limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be restrained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates the possibility of something being limited or controlled. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It appears across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias, implying a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where a degree of formality is appropriate. Alternatives such as "can be controlled" or "can be limited" may be preferable in more informal settings. With its widespread usage and clear grammatical structure, "can be restrained" remains a valuable expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be controlled

Focuses more on the act of managing or directing something.

can be limited

Emphasizes setting a boundary or maximum.

can be curbed

Implies a reduction or suppression of undesirable activity.

can be checked

Suggests monitoring and preventing unwanted progress or deviation.

can be suppressed

Suggests forceful prevention or concealment.

can be held back

Indicates a deliberate action to prevent forward movement or expression.

can be mitigated

Implies reducing the severity or impact of something negative.

can be kept in check

Emphasizes maintaining control over a period of time.

can be reined in

Suggests bringing something under control, often after a period of excess.

can be dampened

Implies reducing the intensity or enthusiasm of something.

FAQs

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

Use "can be restrained" to indicate the possibility of limiting or controlling something. For example, "The spread of misinformation "can be restrained" through fact-checking efforts."

What are some alternatives to "can be restrained"?

You can use alternatives like "can be controlled", "can be limited", or "can be curbed" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "could be restrained" instead of "can be restrained"?

Both "can be restrained" and "could be restrained" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can be restrained" implies a general possibility, while "could be restrained" suggests a conditional or hypothetical possibility.

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

"Can be restrained" indicates a possibility or ability to limit something, while "must be restrained" expresses a necessity or obligation. For example, "Emotions can be restrained in professional settings," versus "Dangerous individuals must be restrained for public safety."