can be screened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be screened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is subject to examination or evaluation, such as in medical, security, or selection processes. Example: "All applicants can be screened for their qualifications before the final selection is made."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Third, a gene sequence can be screened for functional regions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Motion picture film must be processed overnight before it can be viewed, but video images can be screened immediately.

The New York Times - Tech

And in a red-button world there is no limit to how much sport can be screened.

The Guardian - Sport

This means some aspects of the baby's genetic profile can be screened directly from the mother's blood sample.

The Guardian

If a region of DNA has been sequenced, it can be screened for characteristic features of genes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This allows for more flexibility in programming, says Mr Myers, as live events can be screened alongside films.

The Economist

Finally, family members can be screened genetically for the condition.

Insights into Imaging

A 144-member catalyst library can be screened in slightly more than 2 h.

Catalysis Today

Soil holds an enormous biodiversity that can be screened for antibiotic production.

AMB Express

Due to recent progress in tools, duplicated publications can be screened using software.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Unlike MRSA, which can be screened for, everyone possess coliform bacteria.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be screened", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being screened and the criteria or method used for screening. For example, "Applicants can be screened based on their qualifications and experience."

Common error

Avoid using "can be screened" without specifying the criteria or method. Saying "Candidates can be screened" is vague. Instead, specify "Candidates can be screened based on their test scores and interview performance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be screened" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the potential for something to undergo a screening process. It is used to describe the possibility of examination or evaluation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be screened" is a versatile and grammatically correct passive construction widely used to indicate the possibility or eligibility for something to undergo examination or evaluation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral register adaptable for various purposes. When using this phrase, clarity is key: always specify what is being screened and the methods or criteria involved. Consider alternatives such as "is able to be examined" or "is eligible for assessment" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to be examined

Replaces "screened" with "examined" and uses "is able to be" for a more descriptive passive construction.

is eligible for assessment

Substitutes "screened" with "assessment", focusing on the evaluative aspect of the process.

is subject to evaluation

Emphasizes that something is required to go through an evaluation process.

is liable to be checked

Highlights the possibility of being checked or inspected.

may be inspected

Uses "may" to denote possibility and replaces "screened" with "inspected", indicating a closer look.

is capable of being reviewed

Focuses on the capability of something being reviewed, suggesting a formal examination.

can undergo scrutiny

Replaces "screened" with "scrutiny", which implies a more thorough and critical examination.

is open to investigation

Suggests that something is available or permitted for a detailed investigation.

allows for vetting

Emphasizes the process of vetting, which is a thorough investigation of someone's background.

permits inspection

Indicates that something allows for or enables inspection.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be screened" to indicate that something is able to be examined or evaluated. For example, "All applications can be screened for eligibility before the next stage".

What are some alternatives to "can be screened"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is able to be examined", "is eligible for assessment", or "is subject to evaluation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be screened" or "will be screened"?

"Can be screened" indicates a possibility or ability, while "will be screened" implies a certainty or planned action. Use "can be screened" when referring to a potential action, and "will be screened" when referring to a definite process.

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

When something "can be screened", it means it is suitable or eligible for examination, evaluation, or inspection based on certain criteria or methods. The purpose is usually to filter, identify, or assess specific characteristics.