can be vindicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be vindicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the justification or defense of an action, belief, or statement. Example: "His actions, though controversial, can be vindicated by the circumstances he faced at the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

By coming here, just like the thief on the cross, they can be vindicated".

The New York Times

"I look forward to the trial so he can be vindicated".

The New York Times

"I don't think I can be vindicated from anything since there's still a good chance I can be sitting up here at 3-13," he said...

The New York Times - Sports

When schools use an unfair process to discipline students, she suggested, even guilty parties can be vindicated later in lawsuits in court.

The New Yorker

He also held that, in ordinary speech situations, people commit themselves to the truth of the assertions they make; in particular, they implicitly claim that their assertions can be vindicated in an "ideal speech situation"—a dialogue that is completely free and uncoerced, in which no force prevails but that of the better argument.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Around 200AD, Ulpian was expounding Roman law as a system based on the Stoic idea that we are all born free and equal, that slavery is against nature, and that all people, including slaves, possess a dignity that can be vindicated in legal proceedings.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

However, secondly, the respective ethical system (and its "supreme norms") itself can only be vindicated by pragmatic maxims.

SEP

SIfn up for the best of VICE, delivered to your inbox daily.

Vice

But Clegg's hunch that the Lib Dems can weather the storm could yet be vindicated, if only the economy comes good.

The Guardian - Opinion

If Barak can somehow bring this right-wing government to achieve this goal, his actions will be vindicated.

Huffington Post

"I will be vindicated".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be vindicated" when you want to emphasize that something, often a decision or action, will eventually be proven correct or justified, especially after initial doubt or opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "can be vindicated" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's a formal phrase that best suits serious or analytical contexts. Consider using alternatives like "proven right" or "justified" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be vindicated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility of being proven right or justified. As shown in Ludwig, it's used to express that something has the potential to be cleared of blame or proven true.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be vindicated" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that suggests the possibility of something being proven right or justified, especially after initial skepticism. Ludwig's analysis of numerous real-world examples highlights its use in formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, it effectively conveys a sense of potential future validation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase carries a degree of formality and is best suited for serious or analytical writing. For more casual settings, alternatives like "proven right" or "justified" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be justified

Replaces "vindicated" with a more general term for showing something to be right or reasonable.

can be exonerated

Implies a clearing of blame or guilt, focusing on proving innocence.

can be validated

Focuses on confirming the accuracy or truth of something.

can be substantiated

Emphasizes providing evidence to support a claim.

can be defended

Highlights the act of protecting or supporting a position or action.

can be legitimized

Focuses on making something acceptable or lawful.

can be proven right

More informal, emphasizing the eventual correctness of something.

can be borne out

Suggests that evidence will eventually confirm something.

can be borne out

Emphasizes confirmation through unfolding events or evidence.

can be verified

Replaces "vindicated" with a more general term for proving the truth.

FAQs

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

Use "can be vindicated" to express that someone or something will eventually be proven right or justified, often after facing doubt or opposition. For example, "His controversial decision can be vindicated by the positive long-term results".

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

You can use alternatives like "can be justified", "can be exonerated", or "can be validated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be vindicated" or "will be vindicated"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Can be vindicated" suggests a possibility of being proven right, while "will be vindicated" expresses a stronger conviction that vindication is certain.

What's the difference between "can be vindicated" and "can be justified"?

"Can be vindicated" often implies a situation where someone or something was initially doubted or criticized, and later proven right. "Can be justified" simply means that something is reasonable or defensible.