can be surrendered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be surrendered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is allowed to be given up or relinquished, often in legal, formal, or metaphorical situations. Example: "Under certain conditions, the rights to the property can be surrendered to the state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the U.S. Senate, where no Republican seat can be surrendered without a fight, is another matter.

The New Yorker

The Cuban revolution was always more nationalist than socialist, and while elements of socialism can be surrendered relatively easily, the nationalist achievements of the past half-century will not be lightly abandoned.

The Guardian - Opinion

Powerful institutions such as the Bundesbank, the trusted guardian of economic stability, and the constitutional court, which has said Germany is close to the limit of how much power can be surrendered to the EU, do much to set the boundaries of the euro debate.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"… It can never be surrendered, save to your unspeakable dishonor, and with its consequences fraught with immeasurable evil.

Independent

The All Blacks at Twickenham in November can hardly be surrendered because they are too good too early.

The Guardian - Sport

The rest are expected to expire over the next two years, but the licences can also be surrendered at any time by the holder.

The Guardian

In its 1988 charter, Ḥamās maintained that Palestine is an Islamic homeland that can never be surrendered to non-Muslims and that waging holy war to wrest control of Palestine from Israel is a religious duty for Palestinian Muslims.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later, Oostende had to be surrendered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The better term might be "surrender".

Forbes

"We can't be surrendering".

Los Angeles Times

Even the presence of a Salman Rushdie quote on Sahota's new hardback ("All you can do is surrender, happily, to its power") he describes simply as "feeling like it had come full circle".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be surrendered", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being surrendered and the entity to whom it is being surrendered. For example, "rights can be surrendered to the state" clarifies both aspects.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily using the passive voice with "can be surrendered" when the active voice would be clearer and more direct. Instead of "The contract can be surrendered by either party", consider "Either party can surrender the contract".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be surrendered" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or permissibility of relinquishing something. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from legal rights to physical objects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be surrendered" is a grammatically correct passive construction that indicates the possibility of relinquishing something. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, the phrase appears in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. Its usage often implies a formal or legal element. For clearer writing, consider whether the active voice might be more direct. Related phrases include "may be relinquished" and "can be yielded". The phrase "can be surrendered"'s correct usage hinges on clearly identifying what is being surrendered and to whom, maintaining a context-appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be relinquished

Changes the auxiliary verb to 'may', implying permission or possibility rather than capability.

can be relinquished

Replaces "surrendered" with "relinquished", giving the phrase a slightly more formal tone.

can be yielded

Replaces "surrendered" with "yielded", suggesting a more forceful or pressured relinquishment.

can be ceded

Substitutes "surrendered" with "ceded", indicating a formal or legal transfer of something.

is capable of being surrendered

Expands the phrase to emphasize the capability aspect, making it more descriptive.

can be forfeited

Replaces "surrendered" with "forfeited", implying a loss due to a rule or consequence.

can be given up

Uses a more common and less formal phrasing to express the same idea.

can be handed over

Replaces "surrendered" with "handed over", indicating a physical transfer of something.

can be relinquished voluntarily

Adds "voluntarily" to emphasize the willingness of the surrender.

can be sacrificed

Replaces "surrendered" with "sacrificed", suggesting that something valuable is being given up.

FAQs

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

Use "can be surrendered" when you want to express that something is capable of being given up or relinquished, such as "Under certain conditions, the lease "can be surrendered" early".

What can I say instead of "can be surrendered"?

You can use alternatives like "may be relinquished", "can be yielded", or "can be ceded" depending on the context.

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

While "can be surrendered" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, consider using the active voice for more directness. For example, instead of "The license "can be surrendered" by the holder", try "The holder can surrender the license".

What's the difference between "can be surrendered" and "must be surrendered"?

"Can be surrendered" implies a possibility or option, while "must be surrendered" indicates a requirement or obligation. For example, "The weapon "can be surrendered" voluntarily", versus "The weapon must be surrendered to authorities".