can be watched

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be watched" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has the potential to be watched. For example: "This movie can be watched by all ages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The video can be watched here.

The New York Times

Play can be watched at bridgebase.com.com

The New York Times

The videos can be watched at everymanchallenges.com.

The New York Times

Play can be watched live at bridgebase.com.com

The New York Times

In other words, film noir can be watched like television.

The New Yorker

Play can be watched at bridgebase.com and register.ourgame.com/special/foreign.com/special/foreign

The New York Times

The Dove Men + Care webisodes can be watched at dovemencare.com.com

The New York Times

Cavendish play can be watched live at bridgebase.com.com

The New York Times

A replay of their discussion can be watched above.

The New York Times - Food

The debate can be watched live on the UN's website.

The Guardian

Two commercials can be watched on youtube.com here and here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be watched" when you want to clearly and simply state that something is available for viewing. It is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from informal to formal.

Common error

While "can be watched" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider active voice alternatives like "you can watch" or "viewers can access" for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be watched" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or permission. It suggests that an action (watching) is possible or allowed to be performed on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be watched" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, primarily serving to indicate that something is available for viewing. According to Ludwig AI, its versatility allows for use across diverse contexts, although it's most prevalent in News & Media. While "can be watched" is acceptable for use in all contexts, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice. For alternatives, consider options like "is viewable" or "may be viewed" depending on the desired tone and level of formality. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, this phrase is a reliable and clear way to communicate the accessibility of content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be viewed

Synonymous substitution of "watched" with "viewed".

is viewable

Replaces "can be watched" with a single word denoting the possibility of viewing.

is available for viewing

Emphasizes the availability aspect of being able to watch something.

may be viewed

A more formal and passive way of saying something is watchable.

is accessible to watch

Highlights the accessibility of the content for watching.

is open for viewing

Stresses the open availability of something to be watched.

is ready for viewing

Suggests that the content is prepared and ready to be watched.

is on view

Implies that the content is currently being displayed and is available.

is ready to be seen

Focuses on the readiness of content to be viewed or witnessed.

is available to stream

Specifies that the content is available for streaming online.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can be watched" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "may be viewed" or "is available for viewing".

What are some simpler alternatives to "can be watched"?

Simpler alternatives include "is viewable" or "can be viewed", which maintain the same meaning with fewer words.

Is "can be watched" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be watched" is grammatically correct, but ensure that the context calls for the passive voice. If the actor is known and relevant, using the active voice might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "can be watched" and "should be watched"?

"Can be watched" implies availability, whereas "should be watched" expresses a recommendation or opinion about the value or importance of watching something.