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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 update

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be update" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any context where you are discussing the possibility of something being updated. For example: "The system settings can be update to ensure maximum security."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Each report is a tuple (S,T,F) of source, S, traffic type T, and feature F. The traffic type can be update, completion time, processed data e.t.c.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And apps can be updated.

Perhaps this chart can be updated.

News & Media

The Economist

AOL Journals can be updated by using AOL Instant Messenger.

Of course, not everything from the past can be updated.

News & Media

The New York Times

Tony Burke says forecasts can be updated over time.

News & Media

The Guardian

It can be updated as often as required.

News & Media

The New York Times

The old can be updated, too, turned into something modern.

News & Media

The New York Times

But, if the software needs to be updated, it can be updated.

News & Media

The Guardian

Each can be updated separately; there's no grand foofarah, unlike an iTunes desktop update.

The maps can be updated instantly when water mains and sewers are installed, removed or repaired.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be update", ensure the context clearly implies a passive action. Consider whether the more common and grammatically standard "can be updated" might be a better choice for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be update" when the intention is to convey that something is being updated, rather than that something can be updated. Ensure the proper verb form is used.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be update" functions primarily as a passive construction indicating the potential for something to undergo an updating process. Ludwig AI identifies this as correct, but the standard passive form, "can be updated", is more common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "can be update" is understandable and, according to Ludwig AI correct, it's less common and less grammatically precise than the standard passive form "can be updated". Although there are few examples available, its usage spans across scientific and news domains. For most formal writing, opting for "can be updated" ensures clarity and adherence to conventional grammar. Use "can be update" sparingly, mainly when brevity outweighs strict grammatical correctness.

FAQs

What is the difference between "can be update" and "can be updated"?

"Can be update" is a less common form, while "can be updated" is the standard passive form. The latter is generally preferred for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is "can be update" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "can be update" is not as grammatically standard as "can be updated". The past participle form is typically required after "be" in passive constructions.

When should I use "can be update" instead of "can be updated"?

In most formal contexts, "can be updated" is the better choice. "Can be update" might be acceptable in very informal or technical contexts where brevity is prioritized, but always consider clarity.

What are some alternatives to "can be update"?

Alternatives include "can be modified", "can be changed", or the more common "can be updated", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: