can be withdrawn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be withdrawn" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that can be taken back or removed, such as a statement, offer, approval, or permission. Example: "The offer can be withdrawn at any time, so make sure to act quickly if you're interested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But now we know it can be withdrawn.

Independent

It also can be withdrawn at any time.

The New York Times

Also, it's worth noting that sometimes popular codes can be withdrawn even before their expiry date.

The Guardian - Money

The initial investment, which must be at least £100, can be withdrawn at any time.

The Guardian - Money

As a political warrior, Obama can be withdrawn, even strangely passive.

The New Yorker

The nail can be withdrawn when you want to raise the window.

The New York Times

And as for how quickly troops can be withdrawn, he seems less and less certain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Payments are awarded on a short-term basis and can be withdrawn after a few months.

The Guardian

Beginning in 2002 money can be withdrawn free of federal tax.

The New York Times

But even this is ambiguous: consent can be withdrawn, says Richard Kemp, an IT law expert.

The Guardian

China's sovereign wealth can be withdrawn as quickly as it was splurged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be withdrawn" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who has the authority to withdraw and under what conditions. For instance, specify "funds can be withdrawn by the account holder".

Common error

Ensure it is clear who or what "can be withdrawn". Instead of simply stating "access can be withdrawn", specify "access to the building can be withdrawn by the supervisor" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be withdrawn" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that something is capable of being taken back or removed. This construction allows the speaker or writer to emphasize the action rather than the actor. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be withdrawn" is a versatile and commonly used expression that denotes the capability of something being taken back or removed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. Its applications range from formal legal and financial documents to more casual news reports and encyclopedic entries. The analysis indicates that while grammatically straightforward, clarity regarding who or what "can be withdrawn" is crucial to avoid ambiguity. When writing, consider using related phrases like "may be retracted" or "could be revoked" for more formal tones. The phrase's prevalence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be taken back

Uses simpler language to convey the idea of something being returned or revoked, often in a less formal context.

may be retracted

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting a possibility rather than a capability, and "withdrawn" with "retracted", implying a formal removal.

could be revoked

Replaces "can" with "could", indicating a conditional possibility, and "withdrawn" with "revoked", which suggests an official cancellation.

is subject to cancellation

Shifts the focus to the potential for cancellation rather than the action of withdrawing, implying a vulnerability to being cancelled.

is liable to be removed

Indicates a probability of removal, with "liable" suggesting a tendency or risk, and "removed" implying physical or figurative displacement.

is eligible for recall

Implies that something meets the criteria to be taken back, often used in the context of products or official items.

might be repealed

Specifically refers to the potential for a law or regulation to be annulled or revoked.

can be invalidated

Suggests that something's legal or official status can be nullified, implying a formal process.

can be rescinded

Implies a formal cancellation or annulment of a decision, order, or agreement.

might be reversed

Indicates a change to the opposite direction or state, often used in decisions or processes.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be withdrawn" to indicate something is able to be taken back or removed. For example, "Your application "can be withdrawn" if you don't meet the requirements".

What is a more formal alternative to "can be withdrawn"?

A more formal alternative is "may be retracted" or "could be revoked", depending on the context. These alternatives suggest a more official or serious tone.

What does "can be withdrawn" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "can be withdrawn" often refers to an offer, plea, or consent that can be taken back before a final decision is made. For instance, a plea agreement "can be withdrawn" before sentencing.

Is there a difference between "can be withdrawn" and "can be cancelled"?

While similar, "can be withdrawn" often implies taking something back that was previously offered or given, whereas "can be cancelled" typically refers to terminating or ending something, such as an order or event. Both express a capability of removal but apply to different contexts.