can be severed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be severed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the possibility of something being cut off or separated, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The connection between the two parties can be severed if the agreement is not honored."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The reinforced composite with the link-treatment can be severed as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

The link can be severed, and a standalone account created, when the recipient turns 18. "It's complicated," she said.

The New York Times

In the course of the film, nearly every human appendage that can be severed is, on camera.

The New York Times

Their spinal cords can be severed from the abrupt stop when traveling up to 30 miles per hour.

The New York Times

If a court agrees that such regulations are pre-empted by federal ones, it will open the door to a broader ruling about whether the regulatory provisions can be "severed" from those eliminating state prohibitions — or whether the entire initiatives must be struck down.

The New York Times

The extensor hallucis longus motor branches can be severed in fibular osteotomies in some patients.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

While positive cords of love can never be severed, etheric cords based on fear can be cut in order to prevent further drains of energy.

WikiHow

They can then be severed from the plant in the course of pruning and admired for months more indoors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That trip-wire cannot be avoided or ignored; it can only be severed at the source.

Huffington Post

Given the nature of the relationship between the Pakistani state and the Afghan Taliban, one that goes right to the genetic core of the Taliban, it is hard to imagine that all ties can ever be severed.

Huffington Post

That link to the past can't be severed but it can be strengthened by manufacturing an object with stands in for the past that was once the present.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be severed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being cut off or separated, whether it's a physical object, a relationship, or an abstract connection. For instance, "The agreement can be severed if both parties consent."

Common error

Avoid using "can be severed" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a more precise verb would be more appropriate. Instead of saying, "Their understanding can be severed", consider a clearer alternative like "Their understanding can be disrupted" or "Their understanding can be undermined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be severed" functions as a passive modal construction, indicating the possibility or ability of something to be cut off or separated. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be severed" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to indicate the possibility of something being cut off or separated. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness. While predominantly neutral to formal in tone, it's essential to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in overly abstract contexts. Consider alternative phrases like "can be disconnected" or "can be separated" to tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be disconnected

Focuses on a break in connection, whether physical or metaphorical.

can be detached

Emphasizes the ability to separate something from a larger entity.

can be separated

Highlights the act of dividing or partitioning.

can be terminated

Suggests a formal ending or discontinuation.

can be cut off

Implies a sudden or forceful removal.

can be broken

Focuses on fracturing or dismantling a bond or connection.

can be dissolved

Suggests disintegration or fading away of a connection.

can be annulled

Implies a legal or formal cancellation.

can be disrupted

Focuses on interrupting or disturbing a connection or process.

can be split

Highlights the division into separate parts.

FAQs

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

Use "can be severed" to indicate that something is able to be cut off or separated. For example, "The rope "can be severed" with a sharp knife" or "The diplomatic ties "can be severed" if negotiations fail".

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

You can use alternatives like "can be disconnected", "can be detached", or "can be separated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be severed" or "can sever"?

"Can be severed" is passive, indicating something is able to be cut off. "Can sever" is active, meaning something is able to cut off something else. For example, "The cable "can be severed"" versus "A strong gust of wind "can sever" the cable".

What's the difference between "can be severed" and "can be terminated"?

"Can be severed" typically implies a physical or abrupt separation, while "can be terminated" usually suggests a formal ending or discontinuation of something, such as a contract or agreement. The term you use depends on whether you want to imply a physical cut or a formal conclusion.