can be selected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be selected" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an option or a choice that is available. For example: "From the range of colors available, the one that most appeals to you can be selected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those aptamers can be selected employing simple chemistry of selection.

BioMed Research International

Religions are not buffets, they will protest, from which choice elements can be selected at whim.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are so many kinds that can be selected to accomplish that goal.

The New York Times

Or for a more dramatic statement, one color can be selected.

The New York Times

The resources can be selected according to age group from KS2 upwards.

The Guardian

Granted, many of these are excellent garden plants, and can be selected for ground-cover use.

The New York Times

They can be selected and arranged any which way, intentionally or unintentionally, to distort truth and turn it upside down.

The Guardian - Opinion

Please note that Anna does not reply to letters individually and only a few letters can be selected for publication.

The Guardian - Money

Pen color and size can be selected.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Then, the information set can be selected.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Specific friends can be selected to not receive updates.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be selected" when indicating that a choice is available from a set of options.

Common error

Avoid overusing "can be selected" in sentences where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The winner can be selected by the judges", consider "The judges can select the winner."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be selected" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is able to be chosen. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be selected" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that indicates the availability of a choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently across diverse fields, especially in scientific and news-related contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously and avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain clarity and engagement. Consider using alternatives such as "may be chosen" or "can be picked" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "can be selected" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be chosen

Replaces "can" with "may", indicating possibility rather than ability.

can be picked

Substitutes "selected" with "picked", offering a more informal tone.

can be designated

Replaces "selected" with "designated", implying a more formal or official choice.

can be appointed

Replaces "selected" with "appointed", suggesting selection for a specific role or position.

can be elected

Replaces "selected" with "elected", specifically implying selection through a voting process.

can be opted for

Replaces "selected" with "opted for", emphasizing a choice made from available options.

can be specified

Replaces "selected" with "specified", highlighting the act of clearly defining a choice.

can be determined

Replaces "selected" with "determined", suggesting that the choice is arrived at through a process of discovery or assessment.

can be identified

Replaces "selected" with "identified", focusing on recognizing and choosing something from a larger set.

can be handpicked

Emphasizes a careful and deliberate selection process.

FAQs

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

Use "can be selected" to indicate that something is available as a choice. For instance, "The winning design "can be selected" by popular vote."

What can I say instead of "can be selected"?

You can use alternatives like "may be chosen", "can be picked", or "can be designated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be selected" or "can select"?

"Can be selected" implies a passive action, while "can select" implies an active one. "The winner can be selected by the judges" (passive) versus "The judges can select the winner" (active).

What's the difference between "can be selected" and "should be selected"?

"Can be selected" indicates possibility or availability as a choice, while "should be selected" implies a recommendation or advisability. For example, "This option "can be selected" if desired," versus "This option "should be selected" for optimal performance."