can be started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that has yet to take place, has the potential to take place, or can be initiated. For example, "The project can be started as soon as the necessary materials are ordered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Prices can be 5, 10 percent lower, even more.

The New York Times

These bins, Mr. Dahl said, can be 10, 20 or 30 cubic yards.

The New York Times

These rates can be 1/2, 1, 3/2, 2,… times a basic unit of rotation.

Britannica

When clinical features suggest a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis, several histologic features can be seen15, 21, 30 (Figure 1).

Nature

The total number of coins can be 16, 100, or even 1,000,000 for that matter.

The New York Times

The venues can be 40, 70 or 100 miles apart, so a good set of wheels and a plan for overnight accommodations are needed.

The New York Times - Travel

Our second goal was to ask whether putative decision-related neurons tend to be anatomically localized, such that anatomically informed neural network models can be created13,14,15, 30, 36,37,38.

Nature

"At any given time, there can be 8, 9, 10 buses parked up and down the street.

The New York Times

a, Palladium II) ions (Pd2+) and bipyridyl ligands (L) were predicted5 to self-assemble into five possible polyhedra that have the general formula PdnL2n, where n can be 6, 12, 24, 30 or 60.

Nature

Interviews can be 30, 45, or 60 minutes in duration.

Duke University

Maps can be 2D, 3D, or multi-dimensional, virtual or physical, diagramming the spatial relationships of observed phenomena.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be started", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being started and under what conditions.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive constructions like "can be started" can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Consider using active voice where appropriate for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be started" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase in the passive voice. It indicates the possibility or permission for an action to be initiated. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be started" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to express the potential or permissibility for something to begin. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While the absence of diverse examples suggests it may not be overly frequent, its neutral register and clear meaning make it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being started. For more variety, consider alternatives like "may be initiated" or "can commence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can commence

This is a more concise alternative, replacing "can be started" with the active voice "can commence".

can initiate

A more direct alternative, "can initiate", expresses the ability to begin something.

may be initiated

This alternative uses more formal language, replacing "can" with "may" and "started" with "initiated".

could be commenced

This alternative uses "could" instead of "can", implying a slightly lower probability. "Commenced" is also a more formal synonym for "started".

might be launched

"Might" suggests a possibility, and "launched" implies a more active beginning than "started".

can get underway

"Get underway" is an idiomatic expression for starting, often used for projects or journeys.

is able to begin

This alternative uses "is able to" to express the ability to start, offering a more descriptive phrasing.

is capable of starting

Similar to "is able to begin", this option emphasizes capability using a different structure.

is ready to start

This alternative focuses on the readiness to begin, rather than the possibility of starting.

is set to begin

This implies a scheduled or planned start, adding a sense of anticipation.

FAQs

How do I use "can be started" in a sentence?

Use "can be started" to indicate that something has the potential to begin, such as "The project "can be started" once funding is secured".

What's the difference between "can be started" and "can start"?

"Can be started" is passive, focusing on the object being started, while "can start" is active, focusing on the agent initiating the start. For example, "The car can be started with a key" versus "I can start the car".

Which is correct, "can be started" or "can being started"?

"Can be started" is the correct passive form. "Can being started" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some alternative phrases for "can be started"?

Alternatives include "may be initiated", "could be commenced", or "can commence", depending on the context and desired level of formality.