can be surmounted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be surmounted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a challenge or obstacle can be overcome or dealt with successfully. Example: "Despite the difficulties we faced, we believe that all challenges can be surmounted with determination and teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The security that problems can be surmounted leads to happiness, he said.

The New York Times

Still, that problem can be surmounted, and the overall trend in installations is overwhelmingly upward.

MIT Technology Review

But that can only happen if troubling issues of cost and practicality can be surmounted.

The New York Times

But if these issues can be surmounted, a better educated labor force could help China become an ever more formidable rival to the West.

The New York Times

But if these obstacles can be surmounted, then some animals in the farmyard of the future will indeed be more equal and certainly more helpful than others.

The Economist

Potentially this is a large disadvantage of using 30 GHz, but it can be surmounted if other parameters are chosen carefully.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The problem posed by a different sort of walk-up — the penthouse apartment, often one added later, that must be reached by a flight of stairs after an elevator ride — can occasionally be surmounted, literally: "Sometimes with rich people, what happens is they figure out a way to bring the elevator up to their apartment," said Ms. Ruden of Prudential Douglas Elliman.

The New York Times

It is the unhealable rift forced between a human being and its native place, between the self and its true home: its essential sadness can never be surmounted". "I'm in a public school and most students here have the impression that Israel is the one attacking [the Palestinians]," the 17-year-old Pearl said.

HuffPost

Those problems must be surmounted before miners can get to work, Willhauck said.

Vice

Even a drive of 30 minutes can pose obstacles that can't be surmounted without help, especially when some women are saving every penny they have just to afford the procedure.

Vice

Although human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great promise as a source of differentiated cells to treat several human diseases, many obstacles still need to be surmounted before this can become a reality.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be surmounted" to convey a sense of optimism and capability when discussing challenges. It suggests that obstacles are not insurmountable and can be overcome through effort and strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "can be surmounted" in casual or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "can be overcome" or "can be handled" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be surmounted" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing the potential or possibility of overcoming an obstacle. Ludwig's examples show it used with issues, problems, barriers and difficulties, indicating it usually refers to a negative situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be surmounted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the possibility of overcoming challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for formal contexts such as science, news, and business. It suggests optimism and capability, but should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like "can be overcome" or "can be handled" may be more appropriate in informal communication. Top sources like The New York Times and The Economist often employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be overcome

Indicates a general ability to successfully deal with or defeat a problem.

can be conquered

Emphasizes a forceful overcoming of obstacles, suggesting a significant effort or victory.

can be triumphed over

Implies a celebratory victory after facing a difficult challenge.

can be bested

Suggests defeating something, often in a competitive context.

can be risen above

Implies an ability to move beyond a difficult situation, often with personal growth.

can be prevailed against

Suggests winning or succeeding despite significant opposition or difficulty.

can be managed

Focuses on the ability to handle or control a situation, rather than necessarily eliminating it.

can be navigated

Highlights the ability to steer through a complex situation, avoiding major problems.

can be resolved

Indicates finding a solution to a problem or conflict, often through compromise or understanding.

can be alleviated

Focuses on making a problem less severe or intense, rather than completely eliminating it.

FAQs

What does the phrase "can be surmounted" mean?

The phrase "can be surmounted" means that a challenge, obstacle, or difficulty is not impossible to overcome or deal with successfully. It suggests that with effort or strategy, the obstacle "can be overcome".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be surmounted"?

It is appropriate to use "can be surmounted" in formal contexts, such as academic papers, business reports, or news articles, where a sophisticated and optimistic tone is desired. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "can be surmounted"?

Alternatives include "can be overcome", "can be conquered", "can be resolved", or "can be addressed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be surmounted" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be surmounted" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "can" followed by the passive form of the verb "surmount", indicating possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.