can be sustained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be sustained" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that can be continued, usually over a long period of time. For example: "The positive effects of the new education policy can be sustained for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The New York Times - Arts

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sustainable control measures are those that are durable, that can be sustained over time.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

A production like this can be sustained.

The New York Times - Arts

Gilbert doubts it can be sustained.

The Guardian

Less clear is whether that motivation can be sustained.

The New York Times

Defending the indefensible can be sustained for only so long.

The New York Times

They want what can be sustained by sound, steady management.

The Washington Post

The question now is whether that success can be sustained.

The New York Times

It can be sustained only with a strong national mandate.

The Economist

Colombia's hard-won freedom from violence can be sustained only through economic prosperity.

The New York Times

No team environment can be sustained without a lack of trust.

The Guardian - Sport

ECT often works much more rapidly than medication; its effects can be sustained with meds.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term strategies or initiatives, use "can be sustained" to emphasize the importance of durability and resilience over time. For example, "A sustainable business model can be sustained even during economic downturns."

Common error

Avoid using "can be sustained" when "can be supported" is more appropriate. "Can be sustained" implies continuation over time, while "can be supported" suggests having the necessary resources or foundation. For example, use "can be supported" when referring to a claim or argument that needs evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be sustained" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility and ability in relation to continuation or endurance. It indicates that something has the potential to continue over a period of time. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be sustained" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the possibility and ability for something to continue or endure over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its wide applicability across various contexts, from news and media to academic and business settings. The phrase functions as a modal verb phrase, assessing feasibility and promoting long-term thinking. While alternatives like "can be maintained" and "can be supported" exist, "can be sustained" uniquely emphasizes durability and resilience. When writing, remember to prioritize long-term strategic view and distinguish it from similar expression that indicate active support. Its high frequency and diverse usage solidify its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be maintained

Focuses more on the act of actively keeping something in its current state.

can be supported

Implies that something has the necessary resources or foundation to continue.

can be continued

A more general term for something being able to proceed without interruption.

can be prolonged

Suggests extending the duration of something beyond its expected timeframe.

can be upheld

Implies that something can be defended or kept in a position of strength.

can be preserved

Focuses on protecting something from damage or decay so it can continue to exist.

can be conserved

Highlights the efficient use and management of resources to ensure long-term availability.

can be endured

Emphasizes the ability to withstand hardship or challenges over time.

can be kept up

Suggests maintaining a certain pace or level of activity.

can be perpetuated

Implies making something continue indefinitely, often referring to ideas or systems.

FAQs

How to use "can be sustained" in a sentence?

Use "can be sustained" to describe something that has the ability to continue or endure over a period of time. For example, "The project's success "can be sustained" with continued funding".

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

You can use alternatives like "can be maintained", "can be supported", or "can be continued" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be sustained" or "can be maintain"?

"Can be sustained" is the correct form. "Can be maintain" is grammatically incorrect because "maintain" is a verb and needs to be in its past participle form, which is "maintained", when used with "can be". While "can be maintained" is grammatically correct, its meaning is slightly different from ""can be sustained"".

What's the difference between "can be sustained" and "can be maintained"?

"Can be sustained" implies the ability to continue or endure naturally or with minimal effort. "Can be maintained" suggests an active effort to keep something in its current state. For example, a good habit "can be sustained" if it's enjoyable, while a building can be maintained through regular repairs.