can be spared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be spared" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is available to be given up or not needed at the moment. Example: "If you have any time that can be spared, I would appreciate your help with this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Today, I believe that no player can be spared.

The New York Times

But America can be spared this awkward moment.

The New York Times

She hopes that a new generation can be spared her experiences.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alan Stubbs, the Hibs manager, hopes the club can be spared a football sanction.

The Guardian - Sport

"President Taylor needs to step down," Mr. Bush said, "so that his country can be spared further bloodshed".

The New York Times

As budget cutters move in, statehouse victories are being proclaimed when education can be spared the knife.

The New York Times

He is out here with every municipal worker who can be spared: the electricians, the carpenters, the painters.

The New York Times

Patients, who often are frail or live far from their doctors, can be spared frequent office visits.

The New York Times - Health

He genuinely does believe that seniors and the middle class can be spared from any shared sacrifice.

The New York Times

We will then hear talk of "safe havens" protected by whatever few thousand British troops can be spared from the baleful, sputtering Helmand campaign.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a designer is eliminated, so is the model assigned to him or her, though she can be spared if another designer chooses her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be spared", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being saved or avoided. For example, "If resources can be spared, we can invest in further research."

Common error

Avoid using "can be spared" when you actually mean "can be spent". "Spared" implies something is being saved, while "spent" indicates consumption or usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be spared" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or permissibility. It suggests that something or someone is available, not essential, or may be excused from a particular task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be spared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that something is available, not essential, or can be excused. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Its primary function is to convey that resources or individuals are available without significant impact, making it suitable for various contexts, from scientific discussions to news reports. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate its meaning from similar terms like "can be spent" and consider the level of impact when choosing between "can be spared" and "can be sacrificed". The analysis reveals that its usage is most prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be excused

Focuses on the permission or acceptance of someone not needing to participate or be involved.

can be avoided

Emphasizes the possibility of preventing something from happening or being experienced.

can be exempted

Highlights a formal release from an obligation or duty.

can be released

Suggests being freed from a responsibility or constraint.

can be let off

Implies being excused from a punishment or difficult situation.

can be dispensed with

Indicates that something is not necessary and can be omitted.

can be forgone

Stresses the voluntary act of giving up or doing without something.

can be passed over

Suggests that something is skipped or not considered.

are at liberty to not

Suggests someone having the freedom and authorization to not do something.

have permission to omit

Is more formal and specifies that it has the go-ahead to leave something or someone out.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be spared" typically indicates that something is available to be given up or not needed at the moment. For instance, "If you have any time that "can be spared", I would appreciate your help with this project."

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

You can use alternatives like "can be avoided", "can be excused", or "can be exempted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be spared" or "can be saved"?

Both "can be spared" and "can be saved" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Can be spared" implies something is not needed or can be given up without significant loss, while "can be saved" suggests an effort to preserve something from waste or loss.

What's the difference between "can be spared" and "can be sacrificed"?

"Can be spared" implies that something is available to give up without causing significant harm or inconvenience. On the other hand, "can be sacrificed" suggests that giving something up involves a loss or cost, often for a greater purpose.