can be worked out

USAGE SUMMARY

'can be worked out' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a problem or task that can be solved or completed. For example, "The answer to the problem can be worked out with careful analysis".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I hope something can be worked out".

The New York Times - Sports

But those details can be worked out later.

The New York Times

More sensible reforms can be worked out later.

The Economist

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

The Economist

Many of these details can be worked out in advance.

Harvard Business Review

The required weighting factors anywhere within a time step can be worked out systematically.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

"We believe it can be worked out in a way that's beneficial for everybody," he said.

The New York Times

All these things can be worked out for you by the gun store".

The New York Times

I'm optimistic that it can be worked out so we can get the bill passed".

The New York Times

All these numbers can be worked out from the geometry of the eclipses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Once all the data are in, an earthquake's depth can be worked out with reasonable accuracy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be worked out" when you want to express that a solution is achievable through effort or planning. For example, "The budget details can be worked out during the next meeting."

Common error

While "can be worked out" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to active voice where appropriate for stronger impact. For example, instead of "The problem can be worked out by the team", try "The team can work out the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be worked out" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of solving a problem or reaching a resolution. As seen in Ludwig, this construction is frequently used across diverse contexts to express optimism about finding solutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be worked out" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys optimism and the possibility of resolving an issue. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, from News & Media to Science. While alternatives like "can be resolved" or "can be solved" exist, "can be worked out" often implies a more collaborative or iterative approach to problem-solving. While it is important to avoid overusing the passive voice, mastering the use of "can be worked out" enhances clarity and confidence in expressing potential solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be resolved

This alternative focuses on solving a problem or conflict.

can be solved

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of finding a solution.

can be figured out

This alternative implies a process of understanding or discovering something.

can be sorted out

This alternative suggests organizing or clarifying something to resolve an issue.

can be straightened out

This alternative suggests correcting something that is wrong or confused.

can be ironed out

This alternative refers to removing small difficulties or disagreements.

can be settled

This alternative means to bring to an end, resolve.

can be thrashed out

This alternative implies a thorough discussion to reach a decision.

can be hammered out

This alternative suggests reaching an agreement after intense negotiation.

can be addressed

This alternative implies that a problem or issue can be dealt with.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be worked out" to indicate that a solution or agreement is possible. For instance, "The details of the contract "can be worked out" during negotiations."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "can be resolved", "can be solved", or "can be figured out", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "can be worked out" or "can be resolved"?

Both "can be worked out" and "can be resolved" are valid, but "can be resolved" often implies a more formal or definitive solution to a problem, while "can be worked out" suggests a more collaborative or iterative process.

What does "can be worked out" imply about the difficulty of a task?

"Can be worked out" suggests that while a task might require effort or planning, it is ultimately achievable. It implies a degree of optimism and the possibility of finding a solution through effort.