can be spoken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be spoken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is capable of being articulated or expressed verbally. Example: "This language is unique because it can be spoken fluently by both children and adults."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When nothing can be spoken, no one can be known.

The New Yorker

Everything is connected: everything can be spoken, and can speak.

The Guardian - Books

Therefore what can be spoken can be sung".

The New Yorker

By three or four, children reliably separate the languages, knowing which can be spoken with whom.

The Economist

Poetry is all about language and that can be spoken, written, typed, texted or emailed.

The Guardian - Tech

Neither homosexuality nor addiction can be spoken about in Putin's Russia.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Nothing visible, nothing that can be spoken of in scientific terms).

The Guardian - Arts

They can be spoken, sung, written, printed, painted and electronically illuminated.

The New York Times - Arts

Political leaders see fashion as a second language that can be spoken by just about anyone.

The New York Times

Words are memes that can be spoken and words are the best example of memes.

The Guardian

It can be spoken of in the same breath as Kubrick's Paths of Glory and Losey's King & Country.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be spoken" to clearly indicate that something is capable of being articulated or expressed verbally. Ensure that the context supports this interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "can be spoken" in overly complex sentence structures where a simpler, more direct verb like "expressed" or "articulated" would improve clarity. Choose the most concise option for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be spoken" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or permissibility of something being verbally articulated. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is used to express that something is capable of being expressed verbally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be spoken" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, as verified by Ludwig AI. It denotes the capability of something to be verbally articulated. It finds frequent application across various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to use it judiciously, ensuring the sentence structure remains clear. Alternatives such as "can be articulated" or "can be verbalized" may be more appropriate in specific contexts. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "can be spoken" to convey their intended meaning with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to be articulated

Focuses on the ability to clearly express something.

can be verbalized

Highlights the act of putting thoughts into words.

is capable of being voiced

Emphasizes the act of expressing something verbally.

may be expressed verbally

Focuses on expressing something using words.

may be put into words

Highlights the process of transforming thoughts into spoken language.

is permissible to mention

Highlights the allowance or authorization to speak about something.

is allowed to be discussed

Focuses on the permission to talk about something.

can be communicated

Broader term referring to the ability to convey information, not necessarily just through speech.

is fit to be uttered

Focuses on the appropriateness of saying something.

is expressible

Highlights the ability to express something in general, but does not necessarily focus on the spoken word.

FAQs

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

Use "can be spoken" to indicate that something is able to be articulated or expressed verbally. For example: "This secret "can be spoken" only in a safe place."

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

You can use alternatives like "can be articulated", "can be verbalized", or "can be expressed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be spoken" or "can be speak"?

"Can be spoken" is correct. "Can be speak" is grammatically incorrect; the past participle form "spoken" should be used with "be".

What's the difference between "can be spoken" and "can be said"?

"Can be spoken" specifically refers to verbal articulation, while "can be said" is a broader term that includes any form of statement, whether verbal or written. For example, a rule "can be said" but not always "can be spoken".