can be uncovered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be uncovered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the discovery or revelation of information, secrets, or hidden truths. Example: "Through extensive research, many historical facts can be uncovered that change our understanding of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But according to Harris, values, too, can be uncovered by science — the right values being ones that promote well-being.

The New York Times - Books

Beane is famous for his belief that truths can be uncovered through objective statistical analysis.

The New York Times - Sports

In this way, perhaps new opportunities can be uncovered to bridge the gap between consumers' aspirations and actions.

The Guardian

Now on the new debate, DNA testing brings into focus the new ways that mistaken convictions can be uncovered.

The New York Times

Perhaps there is only what can be uncovered, one step at a time, through trial and error.

The New Yorker

"We may have only hours to spare when he actually signs it, and we just can't take the risk that our doctors and patients can be uncovered".

The New York Times

"The world must act now to assist the Iraqi people with proper forensic experts and documentation specialists, so that the full extent of Saddam's crimes can be uncovered".

The New York Times

The hormone can be uncovered in a blood test, which was introduced on a limited basis by the World Anti-Doping atency athehe 2004 Olympics.

The New York Times

Asked whether she thought the bombers were linked to Al Qaeda, she said, "That will be continuously investigated so that this can be uncovered as soon as possible".

The New York Times

One team spying on another has happened, but it is rare, mainly because the secrets that can be uncovered are not really secrets.

The New York Times - Sports

There are no records kept on how fast loopholes can be uncovered in new federal law, but the roll-your-own tobacco industry is making a breathtaking run for this year's shabby laurels.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be uncovered" when you want to express the potential for revealing hidden information or discovering something not immediately obvious. It suggests a process of investigation or analysis is possible.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "can be uncovered" might sound less sophisticated in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger verbs like "identified" or "established" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be uncovered" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the potential for discovery or revelation. It suggests that something hidden or unknown has the possibility of being found or made known through investigation or analysis, according to Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be uncovered" functions as a passive verb phrase, suggesting the potential for something hidden to be revealed. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting both neutral and slightly formal contexts. While alternatives like "can be revealed" or "can be discovered" offer subtle variations, "can be uncovered" retains a unique implication of investigation and analysis. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it's crucial to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for stronger verbs when appropriate. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to convey the possibility of finding something not immediately apparent but accessible through effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be revealed

A direct synonym replacement, focusing on the act of making something known.

may be revealed

Changes the auxiliary verb from "can" to "may", indicating a possibility rather than a capability.

could be discovered

Replaces "uncovered" with "discovered" and "can" with "could", suggesting potential discovery.

might be unearthed

Uses "unearthed" instead of "uncovered", implying a more deliberate or investigative process, and "might" for a less certain possibility.

can be brought to light

Employs a more idiomatic expression, focusing on revelation rather than simple discovery.

can be brought to the surface

Uses a more metaphorical expression, indicating the raising of something hidden to prominence.

can be exposed

Suggests a more forceful or critical revelation, often implying something previously hidden is now made public.

can be determined

Suggests a process of establishing something definitively through investigation or analysis.

can be ascertained

Indicates a more formal or scientific process of finding something out definitively.

can be detected

Implies the use of specific methods or instruments to find something that was previously undetectable.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be uncovered" is used to indicate the possibility of discovering or revealing something. For example, "New evidence "can be uncovered" with further investigation."

What are some alternatives to "can be uncovered"?

You can use alternatives like "can be revealed", "can be discovered", or "may be revealed" depending on the specific context.

Is "can be uncovered" formal or informal?

"Can be uncovered" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, using stronger verbs like "identified" or "established" might be more appropriate.

What does "can be uncovered" imply?

The phrase implies that there is a potential for discovery or revelation through some form of investigation, analysis, or effort. It suggests that the information or thing is not immediately apparent but accessible.