can be survived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be survived" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It usually describes a situation or event that is difficult or challenging, but it is possible to endure or overcome it. Example: Hurricane Maria caused widespread destruction on the island, but many residents showed their resilience and proved that even the toughest storms can be survived.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Some are relatively harmless, just as flu or glandular fever can be survived.

Independent

But if pain can be survived, it can perhaps be channelled and put to work.

The Guardian - Books

A harrowing tale, which leaves the reader questioning whether such difficulties in early life can be survived.

The Guardian - Books

Connection requests which are rejected due to the unavailability of a single backup path can be survived using multiple backup routes.

Optical Fiber Technology

But, he said, treatment for a chronic and incurable disease like M.S., which can be survived for many years, has a high bar for safety and effectiveness.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet there's salve for that wound, as the play ultimately suggests that even if loss on this level can't really be understood, it can be survived.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In addition to selling state companies, the Treuhand is charged with restructuring industry, deciding which companies can be survive immediately as private entities, which have enough prospects to warrant investment and which should simply be closed.

The New York Times

Today, it can only be survived, the hours marked not by minutes but by mosquitoes slapped dead on pink necks.

The New York Times

All you can do is survive.

The New York Times - Tech

"Right now, all we can do is survive the day," she told the BBC.

Independent

"Right now, all we can do is survive the day," she said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about emotionally charged experiences or traumas, using "can be survived" acknowledges the severity of the experience while offering a message of hope and recovery.

Common error

While "can be survived" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider using active voice where appropriate to create a stronger, more engaging narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be survived" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or capability of enduring and overcoming a difficult or challenging situation. This phrase emphasizes that, despite hardship, survival is achievable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be survived" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates the possibility of enduring or overcoming a challenging situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and general-interest content. When writing, use "can be survived" to convey resilience and hope, while being mindful of overusing the passive voice. Alternatives like "can be endured" or "is possible to overcome" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be endured

This alternative substitutes "survived" with "endured", keeping a passive voice but with a slightly different connotation.

is possible to overcome

This alternative replaces "can be survived" with a more active construction, emphasizing the act of overcoming.

is possible to get through

This alternative uses the phrasal verb "get through" to convey the idea of enduring a difficult experience.

is something one can pull through

This alternative employs the phrasal verb "pull through", suggesting a struggle to survive.

can be weathered

This alternative uses the metaphor of weathering a storm to suggest enduring a challenging situation.

is something one can withstand

This phrase replaces "survived" with "withstand", emphasizing the ability to resist negative effects.

is something one can live through

This longer phrase emphasizes the act of living and continuing after a difficult experience.

can be outlasted

This alternative focuses on surviving longer than a difficulty, emphasizing duration.

can be borne

This alternative is more formal, replacing 'survived' with 'borne', implying endurance under pressure.

can be navigated

This alternative implies careful maneuvering to overcome a challenge, changing the focus from survival to skillful handling.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be survived" to indicate that a difficult or challenging situation is possible to endure or overcome. For example, "Even a major economic downturn "can be survived" with careful planning and resource management".

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

You can use alternatives like "can be endured", "is possible to overcome", or "is something one can live through" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be survived" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be survived" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice to indicate that something is capable of being survived.

Which is correct, "can be survived" or "can survive"?

"Can survive" is in the active voice and refers to someone or something being able to survive. "Can be survived" is in the passive voice and indicates that something is capable of being survived by someone or something else. The choice depends on the context.