can be transferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can be transferred' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a process that can be handled or moved from one place to another. For example, "Electronic funds can be transferred quickly and securely from one bank account to another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Quotas can be transferred, though not freely.

The Economist

Both allowances can be transferred to your spouse or partner.

The Guardian

Knowledge can be transferred this way, through the Internet.

The New York Times

Only inmates in high-security prisons can be transferred.

The New York Times

When frozen, they can be transferred to a freezer bag.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Patients' own fat can be transferred to parts of the face.

The Guardian

Then the photos can be transferred to a printer of the type mentioned in the column.

The New York Times - Tech

Tickets can be transferred only once, and the transfers must be approved by the Beijing committee.

The New York Times - Sports

They also need to notify the Student Loans Company so their tuition payments can be transferred.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Likewise, disease phenotypes can be transferred by microbiota transplantation.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

In addition, a higher power of 12.67 W can be transferred/delivered.

Energy Conversion and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be transferred", ensure that the subject and object of the transfer are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The data can be transferred", specify "The data can be transferred to a USB drive".

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "can be transferred". While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Whenever possible, rephrase the sentence to use an active voice. For example, instead of "The responsibility can be transferred to the team leader", consider "The team leader can assume the responsibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be transferred" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability for something to be moved or conveyed. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies that an action is possible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

53%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be transferred" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the possibility or ability for something to be moved or conveyed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, spanning from formal academic writing to informal discussions. It's most frequently encountered in scientific and news-related articles. While the phrase is generally straightforward, it's important to ensure clarity regarding what exactly is being transferred and to whom or where, avoiding overuse of the passive voice for stronger writing. Related options such as "is transferable" and "may be conveyed" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be transmitted

Specifically emphasizes the transmission of something, such as data, signals, or diseases.

is able to be shifted

Emphasizes the ability to shift something, suggesting a change in position or state.

is capable of being moved

Replaces "can be transferred" with a more formal and descriptive phrase emphasizing capability of movement.

may be conveyed

Focuses on the act of conveying something, implying a transfer of information, ownership, or rights.

is eligible for relocation

Highlights the eligibility or suitability of something for being relocated, often used in formal contexts.

facilitates the movement of

Highlights the facilitation of movement, often used when discussing processes or systems.

is subject to assignment

Indicates that something is able to be assigned or allocated to someone or something else.

is designed for portability

Focuses on the design aspect, indicating that something is specifically made to be easily transferred or moved.

is susceptible to conveyance

Highlights that something is open and prone to the act of conveyance.

allows for passage

Emphasizes that one can pass through something, which is more literal and less flexible, but still describes a moving action.

FAQs

How do I use "can be transferred" in a sentence?

Use "can be transferred" to indicate that something is capable of being moved or conveyed from one place, person, or state to another. For example, "Skills learned in one job "can be applied" to another".

What are some alternatives to "can be transferred"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is transferable", "can be moved", or "may be conveyed".

Which is correct, "can be transferred" or "can transferred"?

"Can be transferred" is the correct form. The auxiliary verb "be" is necessary to form the passive voice. "Can transferred" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "can be transferred" and "is transferred"?

"Can be transferred" indicates a possibility or ability, while "is transferred" indicates a completed action. For example, "The funds can be transferred" (it is possible to transfer the funds) vs. "The funds is transferred" (the funds have already been transferred).