can be stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be stopped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to be halted or interrupted. Example: "The process can be stopped at any time if necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can be stopped.

The New York Times - Sports

Gender-based violence can be stopped.

The New York Times

And that Lionel Messi can be stopped.

The New York Times

So I thought, "This can be stopped.

The New York Times - Science

He can be stopped, though.

The Washington Post

He's shown that he can be stopped.

The New York Times - Sports

It can be stopped and started.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Poverty and hunger can be stopped.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Not every killing can be stopped.

The Washington Post

The Brexit nationalist spasm can be stopped.

The Guardian - Opinion

If shivering can be stopped voluntarily, it is mild hypothermia.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be stopped" to express the possibility of halting an action or process. It's versatile and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. For example, "The spread of misinformation can be stopped through fact-checking."

Common error

While "can be stopped" is grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice where appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be stopped" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for something to be halted. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used in various contexts to express the possibility of preventing an action or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be stopped" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express the possibility of halting or preventing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it's important to be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice, this phrase offers a clear and direct way to communicate that an action or process is not inevitable and can be intervened upon. Consider related phrases like "can be prevented" or "can be halted" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be prevented

Emphasizes the act of preventing something from happening altogether.

can be halted

Focuses on bringing something to a sudden stop.

can be averted

Suggests avoiding a potentially negative outcome or crisis.

can be ceased

Implies a more formal or official ending.

can be curbed

Suggests limiting or restraining something's growth or influence.

can be terminated

Indicates a more definitive and often official ending.

can be contained

Focuses on keeping something within certain limits or boundaries.

can be checked

Highlights the act of verifying and controlling something.

can be suppressed

Implies forcefully stopping or preventing something from continuing.

can be intercepted

Suggests stopping something in transit or before it reaches its destination.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be stopped" is used to indicate that something is capable of being halted or prevented. For example, "The process "can be stopped" at any point."

What are some alternatives to "can be stopped"?

You can use alternatives such as "can be prevented", "can be halted", or "can be averted" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can be stopped" or "can be prevented"?

Both "can be stopped" and "can be prevented" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can be stopped" suggests halting something already in progress, while "can be prevented" implies stopping something before it even starts.

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

It means that there is a possibility or ability to interrupt or end something. The exact interpretation depends on the context. For example, "The bleeding "can be stopped" with pressure."