can be sought

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be sought" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when something is available, as in the following example: Financial aid can be sought from a number of institutions.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What evidence can be sought to gather evidence that good or outstanding is the norm?

The Guardian

If the work is truly unavailable through normal channels, then more imaginative sources can be sought.

The New York Times - Magazine

Such consent could be applied for just as quickly as a charge can be sought from the magistrates' court.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bank has the context and information to decide to block the transaction until more information can be sought.

The Guardian

Details of can be sought from the local library (if you still have one) and the local authority awards officer.

The Guardian

She is also the magic Word, and thus her nature can be sought out and meditated upon in mantras.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There are no limitations on the number of units that can be sought for this purpose," Mr. Kassenoff said.

The New York Times

Expertise can be sought and pooled.Information and opinion seem to travel faster than with older forms of communication.

The Economist

These conditions can be sought in the nature of things.

SEP

A reasonable explanation of the behavior highlighted above can be sought in the following speculation.

Earth, Planets and Space

If the disclosure requirements prove too cumbersome for issuers, alternative means of exemption can be sought.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain consistency in verb tense when using "can be sought" within a sentence to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "can be sought" when an active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "Solutions can be sought", consider "Researchers can seek solutions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be sought" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is capable of being looked for or pursued. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies availability or the possibility of obtaining something, which is confirmed by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be sought" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase indicating that something is available and capable of being looked for or pursued. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's a versatile passive construction suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, particularly in science, news, and business domains. For clarity and impact, consider whether an active voice might be more effective, and ensure consistent verb tense within your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be obtained

Directly replaces "sought" with "obtained", retaining the possibility aspect.

may be obtained

Replaces "sought" with "obtained", focusing on the act of acquiring something.

could be acquired

Similar to "may be obtained" but emphasizes possibility over the process.

can be attained

Implies achievement or accomplishment through effort, contrasting with the simpler action of seeking.

may be pursued

Emphasizes active effort in trying to achieve a goal, changing from simply seeking to actively pursuing.

might be found

Highlights the uncertainty and possibility of locating or obtaining something.

could be explored

Shifts the focus to investigating or discovering something rather than just seeking it.

can be discovered

Focuses on the process of finding something new or previously unknown.

is available

Focuses on the availability of something, rather than the act of seeking it out.

is accessible

Similar to "is available" but emphasizes the ease of reaching or obtaining something.

FAQs

How do I use "can be sought" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be sought" indicates that something is available or obtainable. For example, "Financial assistance "can be sought" from various organizations".

What alternatives can I use instead of "can be sought"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "can be obtained", "may be pursued", or "is available" can be used.

Is "can be sought" formal or informal?

The phrase "can be sought" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in formal writing due to its passive construction.

What's the difference between "can be sought" and "can be requested"?

"Can be sought" implies a broader search or effort to obtain something, while "can be requested" suggests a more direct appeal or application for something specific.