can be sailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be sailed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability of a vessel or object to be navigated or operated on water. Example: "This type of boat can be sailed even in strong winds, making it ideal for adventurous sailors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

With its solid surface on which a rover can easily travel and its methane lakes which can be sailed it is the ideal target for a deep space mission which includes a mobile platform.

Acta Astronautica

Its key feature is a single water foil, which is enough; for example a dinghy without a rudder can be sailed, even to windward, by backing the jib to turn it into a stabiliser.

The Guardian

The Aquatels, bought from Chris‐Craft Industries, Inc., have berths for 6 to 12 persons, and they can be sailed by tourists on their own or with the aid of a hired local 'boatman.

The New York Times

The model can be sailed as if it were a full-size yacht.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We see the sunset every night, and if we feel like playing hooky, we can be sailing on the Hudson within 20 minutes," she said.

The New York Times

Driving a Farr 40 can be sailing's equivalent of having Tiger Woods caddie for you in the club championship.

The New York Times - Sports

If you're buying a used boat, where it has been sailed can affect its condition.

Forbes

The closest a man can get is sailing single-handed across the south pacific whilst eating Imodium.

Huffington Post

These pest-detection dogs, which are usually terriers (bred for centuries to find and hunt small animals), can either help sniff out predators on the offshore islands themselves or can thoroughly check ships that are sailing out to the islands.

Huffington Post

In poetic use, a bark can be any sailing ship or boat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's testament to the pacifying power of marijuana that not one bottle can be heard sailing towards the stage.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location or a vessel, use "can be sailed" to clearly indicate its suitability for sailing activities. For example, "The lake can be sailed year-round due to its consistent winds."

Common error

Avoid using "can be sailed" when you intend to describe a general preference or intention for sailing, rather than the actual physical possibility. Instead of saying "My summer can be sailed", use "I plan to spend my summer sailing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be sailed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the potential or ability for something to be sailed. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing the suitability of a location or vessel for sailing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be sailed" is a versatile modal passive construction used to express the possibility or capability of sailing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general information. While alternatives like "is sailable" or "can be navigated" exist, "can be sailed" remains a clear and commonly used choice. It's important to use it to describe physical possibilities, rather than intentions, and to be aware of the nuances of similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sailable

Replaces the verb phrase "can be sailed" with a single adjective, offering a more concise expression.

can be navigated

Substitutes "sailed" with "navigated", focusing on the act of guiding a vessel.

is capable of being sailed

Emphasizes the capability using a more formal and explicit construction.

may be sailed

Indicates a possibility rather than a definite capability.

can be cruised

Replaces "sailed" with "cruised", implying a more leisurely and recreational voyage.

can be piloted

Focuses on the act of piloting, suggesting a higher level of skill and control.

is suitable for sailing

Indicates that something is appropriate or well-suited for sailing activities.

allows sailing

Highlights the permission or provision for sailing.

permits sailing

Similar to "allows sailing" but with a more formal tone.

enables sailing

Suggests that something makes sailing possible or easier.

FAQs

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

Use "can be sailed" to describe the capability of a vessel or a body of water to accommodate sailing. For example, "This small boat "can be sailed" in shallow waters."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "can be sailed"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "is sailable", "can be navigated", or "is capable of being sailed".

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

While "can be sailed" indicates a present possibility, "could be sailed" suggests a past or conditional possibility. For example, "This route "could be sailed" if the weather conditions are favorable".

What is the difference between "can be sailed" and "can be shipped"?

"Can be sailed" refers to the act of navigating a vessel, while "can be shipped" refers to transporting goods via a vessel. They have distinct meanings related to maritime activities.