can be worked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be worked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible to be done or manipulated in a certain way. Example: "This problem can be worked out with a little more time and effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I hope something can be worked out".

The New York Times - Sports

I hope this can be worked out.

The New York Times - Sports

MR. BITONDO: That can be worked out.

The New York Times

But those details can be worked out later.

The New York Times

We really hope something can be worked out.

The New York Times - Arts

More sensible reforms can be worked out later.

The Economist

China's problems can be worked out only if growth continues.

The Economist

Where this is the case, it can be worked around.

The Guardian

These things, I thought, can be worked out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reinforcements can be worked into the plan as they arrive.

The New York Times

Most tasks can be worked around class schedules.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be worked", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being worked on and the desired outcome. For example, "The budget can be worked to accommodate the new project needs."

Common error

Avoid using "can be worked" without specifying what is being worked on. Instead of saying "It can be worked", be specific: "The proposal can be worked to better align with the client's expectations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be worked" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility and capability. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests that something is capable of being modified, resolved, or developed. For example, "The details can be worked out later" illustrates this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be worked" is a versatile expression indicating possibility and potential for improvement or resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. The examples show its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. Alternatives such as "can be resolved" or "can be managed" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Remember to specify what exactly is being worked on to avoid vagueness and maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be resolved

Focuses specifically on the aspect of solving or fixing a problem.

can be managed

Highlights the ability to control or handle something effectively.

can be addressed

Emphasizes the act of dealing with or tackling a situation.

can be handled

Suggests the capability to deal with or manage a task or situation.

can be sorted out

Indicates the possibility of organizing or clarifying something.

can be fixed

Specifically refers to the possibility of repairing or correcting something.

can be ironed out

Implies smoothing out difficulties or disagreements.

can be taken care of

Suggests that something can be managed or dealt with to a satisfactory conclusion.

is workable

Emphasizes the feasibility or practicality of a plan or idea.

is achievable

Highlights the attainability or feasibility of a goal or objective.

FAQs

How to use "can be worked" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be worked" is used to indicate that something is capable of being developed, resolved, or modified. For example, "The details of the agreement "can be worked" out later."

What can I say instead of "can be worked"?

You can use alternatives like "can be resolved", "can be managed", or "can be addressed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be worked" or "can be work"?

"Can be worked" is the correct form. "Worked" is the past participle of the verb "work" and is necessary to form the passive voice in this construction. "Can be work" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "can be worked out" and "can be worked on"?

"Can be worked out" typically means to resolve or solve something, like a problem or an agreement. "Can be worked on" means that something is capable of being improved or developed. For example, "The solution "can be worked out" with further discussion", and "The design "can be worked on" to enhance its usability".