can be steered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be steered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to guide or direct something, such as a vehicle, project, or process. Example: "The project can be steered in a more efficient direction with the right leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the new Patriots can be steered with rocket thrusters as well as fins.

The Economist

There are some grounds for optimism that the race to the North Pole can be steered away from military confrontation.

The New York Times

The toboggan can be steered by lifting and twisting the front or by dragging a foot in the snow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All of these can be steered in a variety of directions by combining them with other seasonings.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pilots launch on foot and then sit in a harness below a canopy, which can be steered with hand controls.

The New York Times

Commercials can be steered on a household-by-household basis; the house at 1313 Mockingbird Lane or 5133 Kensington Ave.

The New York Times

Cameras are used in lane-keeping systems, recognizing lane stripes on the road so the car can be steered between them.

The New York Times

A wheelchair fitted with the unit can be steered safely around obstacles even by users with only partial control over the joystick.

The New York Times - Tech

This half-day course challenges negative perceptions of mental health, highlights early symptoms, and suggests how staff can be steered towards appropriate help.

The Guardian - Money

However, for parabolic reflecting surfaces, the beam can be steered in this way over only a limited range of angle without introducing aberration and a loss of signal strength.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More fundamentally, it reflects different views about the extent to which consumers can be steered towards the most profitable products.This crack stretches all the way from newspapers to the film business.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be steered" when you want to emphasize the possibility of directing or guiding something toward a specific goal or outcome. Be mindful of the passive voice, and consider whether an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "can be steered" excessively in your writing, as it can make your sentences sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice construction for greater clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The project can be steered by the team", try "The team can steer the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be steered" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the possibility or capability of being directed or guided. Ludwig examples show it's used across diverse contexts, from technology to social programs, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be steered" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to indicate the capability of something to be directed or guided. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, predominantly in scientific and news media sources. While grammatically sound, it's important to be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice and consider active voice alternatives for a more direct and impactful writing style. Alternatives such as ""can be guided"" or ""can be directed"" may offer a more precise nuance depending on the context. In summary, "can be steered" is a useful phrase for expressing the potential for influence or control, but should be used judiciously to maintain clarity and strength in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be guided

Focuses on providing direction or advice, implying a more passive influence than direct control.

can be directed

Emphasizes a more active role in leading or managing something towards a specific goal.

can be controlled

Highlights the aspect of having power over something, implying a greater level of command.

can be influenced

Suggests a subtle form of persuasion or impact, rather than a forceful change of direction.

can be channeled

Suggests directing something into a specific path or course of action.

can be managed

Focuses on overseeing and coordinating efforts, implying responsibility and care.

can be adjusted

Emphasizes making small changes or alterations to achieve a desired outcome.

can be oriented

Focuses on setting the direction or alignment of something.

can be manipulated

Implies skillful handling or control, sometimes with a negative connotation of deception.

can be modulated

Highlights the ability to regulate or adjust the intensity or frequency of something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "can be steered"?

When something "can be steered", it means that it has the ability to be directed or guided in a particular direction or towards a specific goal. It implies a level of control or influence over its path or outcome.

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

You can use "can be steered" to describe anything that is capable of being guided or directed. For example, "The project "can be steered" in a new direction with proper management", or "The missile "can be steered" to its target using radar technology."

What are some alternatives to "can be steered"?

Some alternatives to "can be steered" include "can be guided", "can be directed", "can be controlled", or "can be influenced". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired nuance.

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

While "can be steered" is in the passive voice, it's grammatically correct. However, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The project "can be steered" by the manager", you could say "The manager can steer the project".