can be slashed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be slashed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be reduced, cut, or eliminated, often in a financial or quantitative context. Example: "The budget for the project can be slashed if we find more efficient ways to allocate resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Since Infraero is heavily overstaffed and travellers have few opportunities to spend money, costs can be slashed and revenues raised.

The Economist

Costs and staff can be slashed, equity is quickly turned into high-yield debt, and a positive return is sought sooner rather than later.

The Economist

During an assessment phase, the MoD will seek bids from firms in the hope this will show running costs can be slashed.

The Guardian

Since we are unlikely to use nuclear weapons, our arsenal can be slashed from the current level of 5,000 to 311, as recommended by some Air Force strategists.

The New York Times

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has called for an anti-apartheid-style boycott and disinvestment campaign against the fossil fuel industry for driving global warming, just days ahead of a landmark UN report on how carbon emissions can be slashed.

The Guardian

And even when it's done, the value of a property can be slashed.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The sanctions threat is being supported by Scottish skippers who fear the amount of mackerel they can catch could be slashed if Iceland, and also the Faroe Islands, continue to award themselves huge quotas.

The Guardian

Their kids can perish, their benefits be slashed, their human rights crushed, their stories disbelieved, all so that "we" can carry on living the good life.

Independent

• Myth: Benefits will be slashed.

Forbes

Those still receiving benefits will find that they have been cut by a third, to a maximum of $350 weekly from $535, and the length of time they can receive benefits has been slashed from 26 weeks to as few as 12 weeks.

The New York Times

One of the more significant things we can do is slash our oil consumption.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to convey the possibility of drastic reduction, consider using "can be slashed", especially when you need to express an immediate and impactful cut.

Common error

Avoid using "can be slashed" in casual conversation; it sounds overly formal and aggressive. Opt for more casual alternatives like "can be cut" or "can be reduced" in everyday discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be slashed" typically functions as part of a predicate in a sentence, indicating a potential action that can be taken. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. For example, "Costs can be slashed" shows the possibility of cost reduction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science & Research

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be slashed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the potential for significant reduction or cutting, often in financial or quantitative contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While effective in conveying the possibility of impactful cuts, it should be used judiciously in more casual settings where softer alternatives like "can be reduced" might be more appropriate. Overall, it's a useful phrase when discussing potential cost-saving measures or efficiency improvements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be reduced

Emphasizes a general decrease or lessening of something.

can be cut

Suggests a more direct and immediate reduction, often in quantity or amount.

can be decreased

Implies a gradual decline or diminution over time.

can be diminished

Highlights a reduction in importance, quality, or size.

can be curtailed

Focuses on restricting or limiting something, often an activity or expense.

can be lessened

Suggests making something less severe or intense.

can be minimized

Implies reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

can be alleviated

Focuses on reducing the burden or difficulty of something.

can be trimmed

Indicates a neat and precise reduction, often in superficial aspects.

can be downsized

Suggests reducing the scale or scope of something, especially in a business context.

FAQs

What does "can be slashed" mean?

The phrase "can be slashed" means that something has the potential to be significantly reduced or cut, often referring to costs, budgets, or quantities.

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

You can use "can be slashed" to indicate a potential for reduction. For example, "Operating costs "can be reduced" if we streamline our processes."

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

Alternatives to "can be slashed" include "can be reduced", "can be cut", or "can be decreased", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be slashed" or "will be slashed"?

"Can be slashed" indicates a possibility or potential for reduction, while "will be slashed" indicates a definite future action. The choice depends on whether the reduction is confirmed or just a possibility.