can be singled out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be singled out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that can be identified or distinguished from a group or set. Example: "In the study, one participant can be singled out for their exceptional performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

At least ten genes so far can be singled out as strong causal candidates.

Immunity

A few distinct types can be singled out from time to time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We discuss a recent STAR/RHIC observation where BR scaling can be singled out in a pristine environment.

Physics Reports

Yet no point in a wine's arc of evolution can be singled out as the best.

The New York Times - Food

Then, as the public becomes desensitized, the group can be singled out for hatred and harm.

The Washington Post

However, differently from classical combinatorial auctions, little was known about whether polynomial-time solvable classes of MMUCAs can be singled out on the basis of their characteristics.

Artificial Intelligence

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Only these two factors can fairly be singled out as constituting the engines of productivity growth.

Britannica

Ultimately, the information he collects is fed into ACT computers to create a huge database of potential voters who can now be singled out according to their interests.

The New York Times

While economic growth has lifted many people out of poverty, some regions can now be singled out as places where large numbers remain below the extreme poverty line.

HuffPost

You take 100 people and you'll get 100 different configurations, but the cold hard facts are: the following 15 artists (including one group) made a huge impact on the rock 'n' roll revolution and therefore can safely be singled out as the leaders of the pack.

Huffington Post

Once the positions of these maxima are determined in the sampled clock data set, the corresponding samples in OCT data set can therefore be singled out, which are equal-spaced in the frequency domain with certain accuracy.

Biomedical Optics Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be singled out", ensure that the context clearly indicates the criteria for distinction. This helps the reader understand why that specific element is being highlighted.

Common error

Avoid overusing "can be singled out" in overly passive sentences. Instead, consider active voice constructions to create more direct and engaging writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be singled out" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates the possibility or ability to identify or distinguish something from a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be singled out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the ability to distinguish or identify something specific from a group. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in various contexts, particularly within scientific, news-related, and encyclopedic domains. The phrase serves to emphasize particular aspects, elements, or features, drawing the reader's attention to their unique qualities. While alternatives such as "can be identified" or "can be distinguished" exist, the choice often depends on the specific nuance desired. When using "can be singled out", ensure clarity in indicating the criteria for distinction to enhance understanding. Overusing it in passive constructions should be avoided to maintain a direct and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing or spotting something distinctively.

can be distinguished

Emphasizes the ability to see the differences between items.

can be selected

Highlights the act of choosing something specific from a group.

can be picked out

Similar to 'selected', but with a more casual tone.

can be chosen

Focuses on the selection process, often implying a deliberate choice.

can be pinpointed

Suggests locating something with precision.

can be isolated

Implies separating something from its surroundings.

can be extracted

Focuses on removing something from a mixture or a larger entity.

can be specified

Emphasizes the ability to define something precisely.

can be designated

Suggests formally identifying something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "can be singled out" in a sentence?

Use "can be singled out" to indicate that something is distinct or noticeable within a group. For instance, "Among all the applicants, her qualifications "can be singled out" because of her extensive experience".

What phrases are similar to "can be singled out"?

Alternatives include "can be identified", "can be distinguished", or "can be selected". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be singled out"?

While "can be singled out" is passive, it's grammatically correct. However, consider using the active voice for more direct writing. For example, instead of "The error "can be singled out"", you could say "We can single out the error".

In what contexts is "can be singled out" most appropriate?

"Can be singled out" is suitable in formal writing, such as academic papers or reports, where you need to highlight specific elements or factors. It's also used in news and media to emphasize particular aspects of a story.