can be retreated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be retreated" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where something can be withdrawn or moved back, such as in discussions about military strategy or personal decisions. Example: "In times of danger, troops can be retreated to safer positions to avoid conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

(3) The alveolar process of the pre-maxilla can be normal and unaffected or can be retreated (affected).

Heritage Science

From this daily clinical practice cohort, some recommendations for the optimization of RTX treatment strategies can be given: If patients can be retreated before they show an obvious flare, a more pronounced further decrease of disease activity can be observed.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

This is in concordance with a previous study demonstrating that patients with absent or mild signs of neuropathy after prior treatment with cisplatin to a cumulative dose of 400 450 mg m−2 can be retreated with six cycles of cisplatin 50 70 mg m−2 weekly with only a minimal risk of significant neurotoxicity, not different from that in carboplatin pretreated patients (van den Bent et al, 2002).

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

All we can do is retreat to the glorious V&A galleries and bask in the afterglow of this decade's astonishing cultural rejuvenation.

The Guardian

Demand for the insecticide, with which many Africans are unfamiliar, cannot be taken for granted (less than a fifth of nets are retreated regularly) nor can demand for the nets themselves.

The Economist

In times of war the best option can be to retreat and regroup.

The Guardian - Sport

Tradition and purity can be chimeras, retreating as artists chase them.

The Guardian - Arts

"Movements that are retreating can also pull off big-time media splashes," said Jean-Pierre Filiu, a specialist at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris.

The New York Times

There can be no retreat in the battle for big ideas".

The New Yorker

There can be no retreat into the sort of privacy or luxury which other widows have accomplished; the struggle beckons.

The New Yorker

There can be no retreat from becoming a values-driven organisation which conducts itself with integrity at all times.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing strategic decisions in fields like medicine or military planning, "can be retreated" accurately conveys the possibility of withdrawing or moving something back for safety or effectiveness. For instance, "If the tumor doesn't respond, the treatment can be retreated".

Common error

Avoid using "can be retreated" in situations where a more precise verb would better describe the action. For example, instead of saying "the troops can be retreated", consider using "the troops can be withdrawn" or "the troops can be repositioned" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be retreated" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility in the passive voice. It indicates that something has the ability or potential to be withdrawn or moved back. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be retreated" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase indicating the possibility of withdrawing or moving something back. While not frequently used, it appears in both science and news contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it's mainly used to describe potential strategies or actions, and it's best suited for contexts where flexibility is key. Remember that a more specific verb might often provide clearer communication than "can be retreated". Alternatives such as "can be withdrawn", "can be pulled back" or "can be moved back" may be useful depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be withdrawn

Indicates the possibility of something being taken back or removed, similar to retreating but often used in a more formal context.

can be pulled back

Suggests a more active or forceful withdrawal, often used in military or strategic contexts.

can be moved back

Implies a physical relocation or repositioning, focusing on the action of moving.

can be drawn back

Similar to "can be pulled back", but may also imply a more cautious or hesitant withdrawal.

can be receded

Suggests a gradual movement backward, often used in the context of natural phenomena or abstract concepts.

can be backed off

Suggests a step back from a position or commitment, often used in negotiation or conflict situations.

can be ceded

Indicates the possibility of something being surrendered or yielded, often used in political or territorial contexts.

can be rescinded

Implies the possibility of a cancellation or revocation, typically used in legal or formal settings.

can be abandoned

Suggests a complete relinquishment or forsaking, often implying a negative outcome.

can be relinquished

Indicates the possibility of formally giving up a claim or right.

FAQs

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

"Can be retreated" indicates the possibility of withdrawing or moving something back. For example, "If the initial strategy fails, forces "can be retreated" to a more defensible position".

What's a good alternative to "can be retreated"?

Alternatives include "can be withdrawn", "can be pulled back", or "can be moved back", depending on the specific context. Each has a slightly different nuance.

Is "can be retreated" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be retreated" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "can" with the passive form "be retreated". It is mostly seen within the scientific and news contexts.

What does "can be retreated" imply about the action being described?

It implies that the action of retreating or withdrawing is a possibility, not a certainty. It suggests that there are conditions under which something might need to be moved back or withdrawn.