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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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can be teached

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be teached" is not correct in English; the correct form is "can be taught." You can use it when discussing the ability to impart knowledge or skills to someone.
Example: "Many subjects can be taught effectively with the right approach."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Technical skills can be taught.

News & Media

The New York Times

But that can be taught".

Do you think writing can be taught?

News & Media

The New Yorker

But skills, at least, can be taught.

News & Media

The New York Times

Wade Steenhoek asks if entrepreneurship can be taught.

News & Media

The New York Times

So leadership can be taught?

News & Media

The New York Times

These things can be taught.

And it can be taught.

News & Media

The New York Times

And relaxation can be taught.

Entrepreneurship can be taught.

Self-control can be taught.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "taught", the correct past participle of "teach", instead of the non-standard "teached".

Common error

Avoid using "teached" in any context. The correct form is "taught". For example, say "The students can be taught these concepts" not "The students can be teached these concepts".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be teached" is intended to function as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is capable of receiving instruction. However, due to the incorrect usage of "teached", it fails to perform this function grammatically. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is incorrect.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be teached" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is ""can be taught"". This error makes the phrase unsuitable for both formal and informal contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it's important to use the correct past participle "taught" to maintain grammatical accuracy. Alternatives like "can be instructed" or "can be educated" may also be considered depending on the intended meaning. Always prioritize using the grammatically correct form to ensure clear and effective communication.

FAQs

What is the correct form, "can be taught" or "can be teached"?

"Can be taught" is the correct form. "Teached" is not a standard English word and should not be used. Instead, rely on "can be taught".

Is "can be teached" ever acceptable in formal writing?

No, "can be teached" is never acceptable in formal or informal writing. The past participle of "teach" is always "taught". Alternative phrasing such as "can be instructed" may also be used.

What are some alternatives to using "can be taught"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "can be learned", "can be educated", or "can be trained". It's essential to choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

How can I remember that "taught" is the correct past participle of "teach"?

Think of other verbs with similar irregular past participles, like "catch" becoming "caught". This can help you remember that "teach" becomes "taught", not "teached". Reviewing verb conjugations can also reinforce correct usage.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: