can be spared for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be spared for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to express that something can be done with something else, usually in the sense of having time for something, or having some available resources that can be used. For example: "If I finish this project before the weekend, I can be spared for some extra activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At that time, the City Council is supposed to come up with a formal water budget specifying how much water, if any, can be spared for new development, and whether savings are needed elsewhere.

The New York Times

Helicopters are probably occupied ferrying passengers and supplies, so I'd imagine few can be spared for reconnaissance; satellite imagery is the best way to go for a snapshot of the area, and Google contracted GeoEye to shoot some shots for just that purpose.

TechCrunch

This transcriptional signature is likely a homeorhetic adaptation that reduces breakdown of fatty acids in the liver so that fats can be spared for milk synthesis in the mammary gland, and may be partly responsible for the 4-fold increase in the rate of lipogenesis we report for the liver (Figure 1).

Plosone

You do not need half an hour to do this, surely a few minutes can be spared for yourself.

WikiHow

This can be a plastic cutting board, a piece of scrap wood, or any other sturdy, flat surface that can be spared for a while.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The true nature of human consciousness — in the time that can be spared from the quest for food, sex, and whatnot — is to enjoy itself by every means possible, an aim enhanced by aesthetic inventions from the "Ring" cycle to Cracker Jack prizes.

The New Yorker

Conversely, our data indicate that the subset of patients with IND but without active inflammation or flow cytometric DNA content abnormalities can be spared from repeat endoscopic surveillance for at least 3 years.

Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology

Neighboring organs at risk and surrounding normal tissue can be spared from radiation doses.

BMC Cancer

Patients categorized as low risk patients can be spared aggressive therapies, for example, chemotherapy, and can be treated with less toxic treatments, for example, tamoxifen or hormonal therapy.

BioMed Research International

"I am no legal expert, but I know a simple rule: if Gu Kailai can be spared her life for a premeditated murder, then Xia Junfeng should not die," said Yao Bo, a well-known online commentator in Beijing.

The Guardian

Today, I believe that no player can be spared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be spared for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being spared and what it is being spared for. For example, "If the budget allows, additional funds can be spared for marketing."

Common error

Avoid using "can be spared for" in excessively formal or technical writing where more precise language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "allocated to" or "designated for" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be spared for" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating possibility or permission related to allocating resources or time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be spared for" is grammatically correct and indicates that something is available for a particular use or purpose. While not overly common, its applications span across various contexts including News & Media, Science, and Wiki entries, as noted by Ludwig. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being allocated and for what purpose. Consider its suitability for formal contexts, opting for alternative phrases such as ""can be allocated for"" when a more precise tone is desired. Overall, "can be spared for" is a useful phrase, but should be deployed thoughtfully to enhance clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be allocated for

Replaces "spared" with "allocated," suggesting a more deliberate assignment of resources.

can be designated for

Similar to "allocated," but implies a more formal or official assignment.

can be reserved for

Indicates that something is being held back specifically for a particular use.

can be set aside for

Similar to "reserved," but perhaps with a slightly less formal tone.

can be devoted to

Suggests that something is being dedicated or committed to a purpose.

can be used for

A more general alternative, simply indicating the possibility of utilizing something.

can be made available for

Emphasizes the act of making something accessible for a specific use.

can be afforded for

Focuses on the ability to provide or allocate something, especially in limited circumstances.

can be released for

Suggests that something was previously held back and is now available for use.

can be contributed to

Implies a giving or offering of something to support a particular purpose.

FAQs

What does "can be spared for" mean?

The phrase "can be spared for" means that something, such as time, resources, or effort, is available or can be allocated for a particular purpose without causing a significant loss or inconvenience.

How to use "can be spared for" in a sentence?

You can use "can be spared for" to indicate that something is available to be used for a specific task. For example: "If we finish the project early, some team members "can be allocated for" other assignments."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "can be used for", "can be devoted to", or ""can be allocated for"", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be spared to" grammatically correct instead of "can be spared for"?

While "can be spared to" might occasionally be used, "can be spared for" is generally the more common and accepted construction when indicating the purpose or recipient of what is being spared. "Can be spared to" may be more appropriate when indicating who or what is being relieved of a burden.