can be wielded for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be wielded for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the potential use or application of something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as power, influence, or tools. Example: "Knowledge can be wielded for great good or great harm, depending on the intentions of the user."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Like the One Ring, the Force can be wielded for both good and evil ends, but then so can a set of screwdrivers.

The New Yorker

Prank calls are a delicate art: They're potentially juvenile, but can be wielded for justice in the right hands.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's an important lesson in the fact that technology can be wielded equally for empowerment or persecution.

TechCrunch

Singapore's strict defamation laws, famous for bankrupting the nation's few opposition political leaders, can be wielded with similar effect against commercial foes.

The New York Times

To some extent that overconfidence can be wielded strategically.

The New York Times - Magazine

Liberals and their disdain for states' rights -- or, less pejoratively, federalism -- have created a federal apparatus that can be wielded by politicians from both parties.

The New York Times

Obviously, someone is lobbying for harsh zoning rules, but anyone who's spent much time in planning meetings can attest to the influence that can be wielded by a vocal minority.

The Economist

These tools can be wielded to create an immersive storytelling experience tailored to the reader.

The Guardian - Books

Imagine the wholly disproportionate power that can be wielded by the eight Euro-fanatical Lib Dems.

The Guardian

Power is sought so it can be wielded.

TechCrunch

(If the darts miss, the Taser itself can still be wielded as a stun gun. "Go for the jugular," Shafman said).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be wielded for" when you want to emphasize the potential power or control that something can exert in achieving a specific outcome. This phrasing is particularly effective when discussing abstract concepts like influence, technology, or strategies.

Common error

Avoid using "can be wielded for" in contexts where a more direct or simpler phrasing like "can be used for" would suffice. Overusing the metaphor can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be wielded for" functions as a modal verb construction indicating the potential or capability of something to be used or applied for a specific purpose. It suggests that the subject possesses a certain power or influence that can be directed towards a particular goal. As Ludwig AI states, this phrasing suggests potential use or application.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be wielded for" expresses the potential for something to be used strategically to achieve a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable sources such as The New Yorker and TechCrunch lends it credibility. The phrase is versatile, fitting into neutral registers and serving to highlight the power or influence inherent in the subject. For simpler or more formal contexts, alternatives like "can be used for" or "can be employed for" may be considered. As per the analyzed data, "can be wielded for" is a phrase best suited for emphasizing the controlled application of a resource or concept towards a specific end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be employed for

Changes the verb "wielded" to "employed", indicating a more formal or direct application.

can be used for

Replaces "wielded" with "used", offering a simpler and more common alternative.

can be applied to

Shifts the focus to application rather than wielding, suggesting a more direct implementation.

can be harnessed for

Emphasizes the control and direction of a force or resource for a specific purpose.

can be leveraged for

Highlights the use of something to gain an advantage or achieve a particular outcome.

can be directed towards

Indicates a specific aim or target for the application of something.

can be channeled into

Suggests a controlled flow or redirection of something towards a particular purpose.

can be put to use for

A more verbose alternative, emphasizing the action of utilizing something.

can be adapted for

Focuses on the modification or adjustment of something to suit a specific purpose.

is suitable for

Expresses the appropriateness or fitness of something for a particular use.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can be wielded for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "can be employed for", "can be harnessed for", or "can be leveraged for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's a simpler way to say "can be wielded for"?

A simpler alternative is "can be used for", which is more direct and widely applicable across various contexts.

In what contexts is "can be wielded for" most appropriate?

"Can be wielded for" is most appropriate when discussing the potential power, influence, or strategic application of something. It's often used metaphorically to describe how abstract concepts or tools can be used to achieve specific goals.

Is "can be wielded for" interchangeable with "can be used by"?

While both phrases express the potential application of something, "can be wielded for" emphasizes the control and influence exerted in achieving a specific outcome, whereas "can be used by" simply indicates who or what is capable of utilizing something.