can be shown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be shown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that is possible to demonstrate or demonstrate with evidence. For example: "The results of this study can be shown to have significant implications for policy makers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can be shown on any night.

The Guardian

If it can be shown that S.&P.

The New York Times

All these can be shown and maintained using different tools.

The Guardian

This can be shown by looking at kidney stones.

Harvard University

Styles of column header labels that can be shown.

Stanford University

This can be shown in different mono- and multilayer arrangements.

Encyclopedia of Interfacial Chemistry Surface Science and Electrochemistry

It can be shown that hybrids provide significant lightweight potential.

Thin-Walled Structures

That can be shown on the video as well".

The New York Times

How many in-flight movies can be shown on one trip?

The New York Times - Travel

The channel has now tightened its restrictions on when alcohol ads can be shown.

The Guardian

A judge has decided the work can be shown, despite the artist's objections.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be shown" to indicate that something is capable of being proven or demonstrated with evidence. This suggests a degree of certainty achievable through verifiable means.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "can be shown" in your writing. While grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound less direct and engaging. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be shown" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential for something to be demonstrated or proven. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across various domains, confirming its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be shown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the potential for something to be demonstrated or proven. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news media, and academic writing. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it's crucial to avoid overusing passive constructions for a more direct writing style. Consider alternatives like "can be demonstrated" or "can be proven" to add variety and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be demonstrated

Emphasizes the act of demonstrating or proving something through evidence or example.

can be proven

Highlights the aspect of providing irrefutable evidence or logical reasoning.

can be illustrated

Focuses on clarifying or explaining something through visual or descriptive means.

can be evidenced

Stresses the availability of evidence to support a claim or idea.

can be established

Implies setting something up as a fact or truth.

can be revealed

Suggests uncovering something previously hidden or unknown.

can be determined

Focuses on finding something out or establishing it with certainty.

can be ascertained

Highlights the effort in discovering something with certainty, often through investigation.

can be verified

Emphasizes the act of confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

can be validated

Focuses on confirming the correctness or legitimacy of something.

FAQs

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

Use "can be shown" to indicate that something is demonstrable or provable through evidence or reasoning. For example: "The effectiveness of the new treatment "can be shown" through clinical trials".

What phrases are similar to "can be shown"?

Alternatives to "can be shown" include "can be demonstrated", "can be proven", or "can be illustrated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be shown" formal or informal?

"Can be shown" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In very informal settings, more direct language might be preferred.

What does "can be shown to be" mean?

"Can be shown to be" implies that something's nature or state can be proven through evidence or reasoning. It adds emphasis that the truth of the matter relies on demonstrability. It is very similar to "can be shown".