can be retracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be retracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something, such as a statement or an offer, can be withdrawn or taken back. Example: "The offer can be retracted if the terms are not met by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The roof can be left in place, with the slats tilted to let in light, or the entire panel can be retracted for open-air motoring.

The New York Times

Although it's the heaviest we tried, it's nice and quiet and, handily, the cable can be retracted into the base for easy storage.

Independent

When conditions have eased, the spikes can be retracted, obviating the need to carry two sets of tires or snow chains.

The New York Times

The shell is largely unornamented and wider to accommodate the greatly elongated siphons, which can be retracted deeply within its borders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A few mammals have a pouch into which the testes descend and from which they can be retracted by muscular action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The presoma, or anterior end of the body, with the mouth at the tip, can be retracted into the trunk and is used in locomotion as well as in feeding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Many DNA sequences, including those for harmful diseases, are already widely published, and can hardly be retracted.

The Economist

That is because most bonuses now are deferred, and are often paid in the form of stock, so they can easily be retracted.

The New York Times

We observed 2/18 spots outside the territory at both 90 minutes and 135 minutes, however, the 2 projected 11q13 loci were from different cells at the different time points, indicating looped-out chromatin can also be retracted.

Plosone

Once said, they can never be retracted.

WikiHow

Email messages can only be retracted if the recipient hasn't opened the mail yet.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be retracted", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being withdrawn, such as a statement, a component, or an offer.

Common error

Avoid using "can be retracted" in overly casual conversations; simpler alternatives like "can be taken back" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be retracted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is capable of being withdrawn or taken back. Ludwig provides several examples across various domains, confirming its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be retracted" is a versatile expression used to indicate the possibility of withdrawing something, whether it's a statement, an offer, or a physical component. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across diverse domains like Science, News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the context and choose appropriate alternatives for informal settings. Remember to be clear about what exactly "can be retracted" to avoid ambiguity. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be withdrawn

Focuses on the action of taking something back, similar to retracting.

can be taken back

A more informal way of saying something can be withdrawn.

can be rescinded

Indicates the cancellation or revocation of a decision or agreement.

can be revoked

Emphasizes the cancellation of something, often a formal agreement or permission.

can be reversed

Highlights the possibility of undoing a previous action or decision.

can be recalled

Suggests that something can be brought back or withdrawn from circulation.

can be undone

Focuses on the possibility of reversing an action or its consequences.

can be repealed

Specifically refers to the act of reversing or annulling a law or regulation.

can be invalidated

Indicates that something can be rendered null or void.

can be nullified

Implies that something can be made legally void or ineffective.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be retracted" indicates something is capable of being withdrawn or taken back. Example: "The offer "can be retracted" if the conditions are not met."

What's a formal alternative to "can be retracted"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "can be rescinded", "can be revoked", or "is subject to retraction".

Is it better to say "can be retracted" or "can be withdrawn"?

Both ""can be retracted"" and "can be withdrawn" are correct, but "can be retracted" often implies a more formal or technical context. "Can be withdrawn" is more generally applicable.

What does it mean when a scientific paper "has been retracted"?

When a scientific paper "has been retracted", it means the publication has been withdrawn by the authors or the publisher due to serious errors, misconduct, or unreliable data.