can be widened

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be widened" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is a passive form of the verb phrase "to widen." You can use this phrase when discussing something that has the potential to become wider or when discussing the option of widening something. For example: - The doorway leading to the patio can be widened to allow easier access for wheelchair users. - The road construction project will widen the lanes and reduce traffic congestion. - The scope of the investigation can be widened to include other potential suspects. - The company's product line can be widened to include more eco-friendly options.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The application limits of EC4 can be widened to cover solutions of columns with broader properties.

Thin-Walled Structures

The scope of the economic freedoms provided for by the EC Treaty can be widened by action of the Council.

Columbia University

As a result, the acceptance angle can be widened up to 250 mrad in horizontal and 63 mrad in vertical.

Infrared Physics & Technology

(On site they can be widened slightly with "saddlebags," cantilevered boxes deep enough for fireplaces and closets).

The New York Times

But Cowan had already solved that issue, explaining that the goal size can be widened or narrowed to suit gardens of varying sizes.

The Guardian

"Once we have evidence of the levels of demand, we will then consider whether the criteria can be widened beyond those opting for a vocational specialism".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

There can be widening between the pedicles, facet joints, or spinous processes (Fig. 3).

Insights into Imaging

Those causeways can then be widened with non-deteriorating metal piling.

The New York Times

However, only with more homes can eligibility be widened beyond those most in need.

The Guardian

The applications of this prin ciple, according to the replies received, range from initial ac quisition of sufficient right‐of way for additional lanes to the building of bridges so that they can later be widened.

The New York Times

Using the most intensive longitudinal phenome-wide analysis approach to date, we have demonstrated the presence of rich temporal dynamics in brain function related to both psychological and biological variability, suggesting that the purview of studies of human brain function can usefully be widened to encompass the study of temporal variability within individuals.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be widened", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being widened and why. For example, "The scope of the investigation can be widened to include new evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "can be widened" without specifying the agent or the instrument performing the widening action, leading to ambiguity. Instead of saying 'The road can be widened', clarify by stating 'The road can be widened by the construction crew'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be widened" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates the possibility or ability for something to undergo the action of being made wider. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a passive form of the verb phrase "to widen".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be widened" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for expressing the possibility of expanding or broadening something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a passive construction. While relatively uncommon, it appears across various contexts, most frequently in scientific and news-related domains. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the subject and the agent of the widening action are clear. Related phrases include "is capable of being broadened" and "has the potential to be expanded". Remember to avoid ambiguity by specifying what and how something can be widened. Based on Ludwig's examples, this phrase serves to communicate potential modifications, improvements, or scalability in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is capable of being broadened

Replaces "widened" with "broadened" and uses a more formal tone with "is capable of being".

has the potential to be expanded

Substitutes "widened" with "expanded" and emphasizes potential.

may be enlarged

Replaces "can" with "may" and "widened" with "enlarged", suggesting possibility.

is able to be extended

Uses "extended" instead of "widened" and expresses ability.

could be increased

Replaces "can" with "could" and "widened" with "increased", indicating a hypothetical scenario.

allows for broadening

Changes the structure to focus on the action of broadening rather than the state of being widened.

permits expansion

Similar to the previous phrase, but uses "permits" and "expansion".

is susceptible to enlargement

Emphasizes that something is prone to be enlarged.

offers the possibility of extension

Highlights the availability of extending something.

can grow in scope

Focuses on the growth aspect, replacing "widened" with a phrase related to scope.

FAQs

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

Use "can be widened" to express the possibility or ability to increase the width or scope of something. For example, "The application limits "can be widened" to cover solutions of columns with broader properties."

What are some alternatives to "can be widened"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is capable of being broadened", "has the potential to be expanded", or "may be enlarged" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be widened" or "can widen"?

"Can be widened" is a passive construction, indicating that something is acted upon. "Can widen" is an active construction, indicating that something is performing the action of widening. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "can be widened" and "should be widened"?

"Can be widened" expresses a possibility or capability, whereas "should be widened" expresses a recommendation or obligation. The former suggests that it's possible to widen something, while the latter suggests that it's advisable or necessary.