can be spotted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be spotted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that stands out in a particular way, or can be easily seen. For example, "The brightly colored flowers can be spotted from a distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Wildlife Observation

Early Detection

Art

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

These can be spotted and accounted for.

The Economist

Comets can be spotted with binoculars.

The New York Times - Books

Thatcherite influence can be spotted in the most surprising films.

The Guardian - Film

Importantly, most at-risk kids can be spotted early.

The New York Times - Health

Whales and dolphins can be spotted out to sea.

The Guardian - Travel

Bewildered newcomers can be spotted checking their maps.

The New York Times - Travel

Many locals can be spotted in western wear.

The Guardian

Whales and penguins can be spotted near Puerto Madryn.

The New York Times - Travel

The Fast Forward label can be spotted inside the boxes.

The New York Times

White admiral can be spotted along the woodland rides.

Independent

You can be spotted by the Syrian army.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be spotted" when you want to emphasize the ease with which something is observed or found, often due to a distinctive characteristic or specific location.

Common error

While "can be spotted" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "detected", "observed", or "identified" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be spotted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is capable of being seen or noticed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Examples show its application in diverse contexts, highlighting ease of visibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be spotted" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate that something is easily seen or detected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While appropriate for general and news contexts, more formal or scientific writing may benefit from using stronger synonyms like "detected" or "observed". Its high frequency in news and media underscores its accessibility and broad appeal, making it a useful phrase for various communication scenarios. Be mindful to maintain its readability by avoiding unnecessary repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be detected

Replaces "spotted" with "detected", implying a more technical or scientific observation.

can be observed

Substitutes "spotted" with "observed", suggesting a more formal or studied viewing.

can be noticed

Replaces "spotted" with "noticed", indicating a more casual or incidental discovery.

can be identified

Changes "spotted" to "identified", implying recognition and classification.

can be discerned

Uses "discerned" instead of "spotted", suggesting careful or insightful perception.

are visible

Replaces "can be spotted" with a direct statement of visibility.

are seen

A simpler alternative, focusing on the act of seeing.

can be found

Shifts the focus to the act of locating something, rather than visually detecting it.

are apparent

Indicates that something is easily perceived or understood.

can be made out

Suggests a slight difficulty in seeing, requiring effort to perceive.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be spotted" to indicate that something is easily visible or detectable in a particular context. For instance, "Rare birds can be spotted in this area during migration season".

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

Alternatives include "can be detected", "can be observed", or "can be noticed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be spotted" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "can be spotted" might be considered less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider using alternatives like "can be identified" or "can be discerned" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "can be spotted" and "can be seen"?

"Can be spotted" often implies that something is easily noticeable or stands out, whereas "can be seen" is a more general statement about visibility. For example, "Dolphins can be spotted from the boat" suggests they are easily seen, while "Dolphins can be seen in the ocean" simply states they are present.