can be spurred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be spurred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be stimulated or encouraged to happen, often in a context of motivation or action. Example: "Innovation can be spurred by collaboration and creative thinking among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That is why fear of "secular stagnation" in today's advanced economies has many wondering how creativity can be spurred.

The Guardian - Business

In the online attention economy, fame often has nothing to do with talent and, in fact, can be spurred by its conspicuous absence.

The New Yorker

Those moods can be spurred by what we have to go through to get from point A to point B when we travel.

The New York Times

Computer users can be spurred to visit the Web sites as the promotions begin by sending e-mail messages containing what Mr. Vail called "starter codes" to those who took part in previous online programs.

The New York Times - Tech

In a world of multimedia and multitasking, "a person watching a commercial on a TV show or looking at a print ad can be spurred to go online on her phone to get more information about that specific treatment," Mr. McCleary said.

The New York Times

This article studies how developing countries intend to use the instrument to implement climate actions and whether these intentions are related to how transformation can be spurred at landscape, regime, and niche levels.

Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But, he added, these constrictions can be spurs for invention.

The New York Times - Arts

These are welcome, too, especially when they hint at the ways in which personality traits that are commonly regarded as character flaws can be spurs to greatness.

The New York Times

Dr Antizar-Ladislao's team admits that algal growth can be sustainably spurred by utilising waste from sewage treatment and factory chimneys to provide the nutrients and carbon dioxide required.

The Economist

The Justice Department's review of how digital music licenses can be arranged — spurred initially by a lawsuit between Pandora and ASCAP but potentially affecting many more tech companies, music publishers and artists — therefore presents an interesting opportunity for Kobalt to step in and offer its services directly to more people to do the job of collecting fees on their behalf.

TechCrunch

Or you could take the high road and award Best Political Theater to Pope Francis I, for his address to Congress (which, if his own statements can be believed, spurred John Boehner to step down).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be spurred", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what is doing the spurring and what is being spurred. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be spurred" without clearly indicating the agent or cause. Overuse can lead to vague or weak writing. Instead, focus on active constructions when possible to highlight the driving force behind the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be spurred" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is capable of being stimulated or incited by an external force. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be spurred" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase indicating the potential for something to be stimulated or motivated. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, its use suggests a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the influencing agent. Alternatives such as "can be stimulated" or "can be encouraged" offer similar meanings, and active voice constructions can often enhance sentence impact. Remember to be aware of the passive voice and who is doing the spurring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be stimulated

This alternative emphasizes the activation or encouragement of something, often in a physical or biological context.

can be encouraged

This suggests that something can be given support or confidence to develop or occur.

can be prompted

This implies that something can be instigated or incited to happen.

can be triggered

This suggests a reaction or event that can be initiated by a specific cause.

can be incited

This indicates that something can be aroused to action or strong feeling.

can be activated

This alternative focuses on making something operative or functional.

can be fostered

This suggests that something can be nurtured or cultivated to grow.

can be initiated

This emphasizes the commencement or starting of something.

can be galvanized

This implies a sudden shock or stimulation into action.

can be motivated

This suggests that something can be provided with a reason to act or behave in a particular way.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be spurred" is used to indicate that something has the potential to be encouraged or stimulated into action. For example: "Creativity "can be spurred" by collaboration and diverse perspectives."

What are some alternatives to "can be spurred"?

Alternatives to "can be spurred" include phrases like "can be stimulated", "can be encouraged", or "can be prompted", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "can be spurred"?

While "can be spurred" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "Innovation can be spurred by challenges", you could say "Challenges can spur innovation".

What kind of subjects typically "can be spurred"?

Subjects that "can be spurred" are often abstract concepts or processes like "innovation", "growth", or "creativity". These are things that benefit from motivation or activation by external factors.