can be withheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be withheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something may be kept back or not disclosed, such as information, consent, or resources. Example: "Certain details of the investigation can be withheld from the public to protect the privacy of individuals involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Funding comes with strings attached and can be withheld if expectations are not met.

The Guardian

How much apparently crucial information can be withheld before the reader begins to feel manipulated or, worse, overlooked?

The Guardian - Books

Carney raised the idea because the bonus cap restricts the amount of payouts that can be withheld or clawed back.

The Guardian - Business

It could lead to a limit being put on the amount that can be withheld, or the naming and shaming of chains who do not pass on tips.

The Guardian - Business

New York State law says tube feeding can be withheld only if there is clear and convincing evidence that the patient never wants it.

The New York Times - Health

This provides that information can be withheld "where disclosure would otherwise prejudice, or would be likely otherwise to prejudice, the effective conduct of public affairs".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Recent studies have suggested that anticoagulant treatment can safely be withheld if the clinical probability is low and the D-dimer concentration in blood is normal.

European Journal of Internal Medicine

Guidance from the information commissioner says: "The information can only be withheld if the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

The Guardian

"It will be a very rare case where advance notice of such applications to media organisations, which are likely to be affected by any order, can justifiably be withheld".

The Guardian

But the agreement, which is actually a plan detailing how a private archivist will catalog and process the documents, also addressed another main concern among those critics by stating clearly that the city's corporation counsel will determine which, if any, documents are private and can therefore be withheld from the public.

The New York Times

If city auditors find evidence within four months of beginning the reviews that money has been used illegally, the payment to the nonprofits can still be withheld.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be withheld" in legal or formal contexts, clearly specify the conditions under which something can be withheld to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be withheld" without specifying the subject or context. For example, instead of saying "information can be withheld", clarify which information and under what circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be withheld" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or permissibility. It suggests that something is allowed or able to be kept back or not disclosed, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples from news articles, scientific papers, and legal documents.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be withheld" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting the possibility or permission to keep something back. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts like news, science, and formal business settings. While grammatically correct, it's important to specify context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "may be retained" and "could be suppressed", offering nuanced alternatives. Remember to specify conditions to prevent overgeneralization and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be retained

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in possession or preserving it.

could be suppressed

Focuses on preventing something from being expressed or known.

can be kept back

Highlights the action of holding something back or not revealing it.

may be deferred

Shifts the focus to postponing or delaying something.

can be restricted

Implies limitations on access or availability.

could be redacted

Specifically refers to removing or concealing parts of a text.

might be concealed

Suggests an effort to hide something from view or knowledge.

may be excluded

Focuses on omitting or leaving something out.

can be unstated

Highlights the absence of explicit mention or declaration.

might be unrevealed

Emphasizes the act of not disclosing or making something known.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be withheld" indicates that something is permitted to be kept back or not disclosed. For example, "Certain details of the investigation "can be withheld" from the public to protect the privacy of individuals involved."

What are some alternatives to "can be withheld"?

Alternatives include phrases like "may be retained", "could be suppressed", or "can be kept back", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "can be withheld"?

This phrase is suitable when discussing rules, regulations, or policies that allow for the non-disclosure or retention of something. It is commonly used in legal, business, and governmental contexts.

What's the difference between "can be withheld" and "must be withheld"?

"Can be withheld" implies a possibility or permission to withhold something, while "must be withheld" indicates a requirement or obligation to do so. The choice depends on whether discretion is involved.