can be retired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be retired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone or something stepping back from a role or position, often in the context of work or service. Example: "After many years of dedicated service, the employee can be retired with full benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Names can be retired if used once for exceptional hurricanes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For this and other reasons that follow, the myth of China's political efficiency can be retired.

The New Yorker

"But I'm just not the kind of guy who can be retired.

The Washington Post

Over a long period, however, costs become variable: machines and plants can be retired or sold, supervisors transferred.

Harvard Business Review

Noting Peta's concerns, Mr Boyle also claims he will "vigorously" look at whether the creatures can be retired to an animal sanctuary after the ceremony.

Independent

Third, some of the private pension assets are being invested in government bonds; these can be "retired", reducing the government's debt.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He can be retiring and nearly bodiless, falling back from confrontation like a ghost; he can also be menacing and cold, hardening his baritone into a snarl.

The New Yorker

Our career choice lets us be as saucy as we like and claim it's 'professional curiosity'; or we can be retiring and prudish and our fellow party guests (usually) find the juxtaposition mysterious and charming or better yet - we can be a bit of both.

The Guardian - Books

The long-distance buses that transport gamblers hundreds of miles to Atlantic City from all over the Northeast can now be retired, and save the gasoline now polluting the air and wasting our precious resources.

The New York Times

This debt can only be retired via the opposite process, i.e., trade surpluses that generate credits.

Forbes

A. The fact is that there are very few people who can afford to be retired for 30 years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be retired", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being retired (e.g., a person, a policy, a piece of equipment). Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be retired" loosely; ensure a defined process or criteria exists for the retirement being discussed. Without proper context, it can sound vague or arbitrary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be retired" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates the possibility or permissibility of something being removed from service or use. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be retired" is a versatile expression indicating the possibility or eligibility of removing something or someone from service. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its frequency and presence in various contexts such as news, media and encyclopedia highlight its widespread acceptance. When using "can be retired", consider the context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Utilizing related phrases like "is eligible for retirement" or "can be phased out" can provide nuance depending on the intended message. This phrase serves a critical function in discussions related to processes, policies, and personnel management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is eligible for retirement

Focuses on meeting the requirements for retirement eligibility.

may be decommissioned

Emphasizes the act of taking something out of service, especially machinery or equipment.

is suitable for withdrawal

Highlights the appropriateness of removing something from its current context.

can be phased out

Suggests a gradual removal or cessation of use over time.

is capable of being replaced

Focuses on the possibility of substitution or replacement.

can be superseded

Implies being replaced by something more modern or effective.

is available for termination

Highlights the possibility of ending or concluding something.

may be terminated

Focuses on the possibility of ending or concluding something.

can be shelved

Indicates putting something aside, either temporarily or permanently.

is able to be discontinued

Highlights the ability to stop or cease something.

FAQs

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

Use "can be retired" to indicate that something or someone is eligible or suitable to be removed from service or use. For example: "This outdated software "can be retired" in favor of a more efficient system."

What does it mean when something "can be retired"?

It means that the item or person is eligible to be taken out of service, often due to age, obsolescence, or completion of its intended function. The phrase suggests that there is a valid reason for the removal.

Which is correct, "can be retired" or "should be retired"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they carry different connotations. "Can be retired" indicates eligibility or possibility, while "should be retired" suggests a recommendation or necessity.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is eligible for retirement", "may be decommissioned", or "can be phased out".