can be worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can be worn' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express that an item of clothing or accessory has multiple uses, e.g. "This hat can be worn as a traditional hat or a Fedora".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So the style can be worn anywhere.

The New York Times

The bowlers can be worn down.

The Guardian - Sport

The piezoelectric pedometers can be worn at any angle.

Harvard University

Hats can be worn only forward, if at all.

The New York Times - Sports

The scorpions can be worn separately as brooches, while the cat's eye can be worn as a ring.

The New York Times

It can be worn around the wrist or the neck.

The New York Times

Some can be worn around the neck like jewelry.

The New York Times

This can be worn any way you like.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Search out basics that can be worn in different ways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A 2x3 print can be worn next to the heart.

The New Yorker

Sandals, but not sneakers, can be worn instead of pumps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing versatility, specify the contexts in which the item "can be worn". Instead of just saying "It can be worn anywhere", provide examples like "It can be worn at the office or for a night out".

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of the passive voice ("") can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing to use the active voice where appropriate, for example, instead of saying "The dress can be worn to the party", you could say "You can wear the dress to the party".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be worn" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or permissibility of wearing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's commonly found in descriptions of clothing, accessories, and devices, highlighting their potential for being worn.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

25%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be worn" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote the possibility of wearing something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely accepted. Its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into various contexts, ranging from formal descriptions in academic papers to casual discussions in news articles and wikis. When aiming for stylistic variation, alternatives such as "is wearable" or "is suitable for wearing" can be considered. However, it's crucial to avoid overusing the passive voice to maintain clarity and directness in writing. Considering the frequency of use of the phrase, "can be worn" will be very helpful when describing fashion items, accessories or even medical devices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is wearable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a more direct adjective.

is able to be worn

Similar in meaning but slightly more formal.

may be worn

Offers a slightly more tentative possibility.

is suitable for wearing

Emphasizes the appropriateness of wearing something.

is good to wear

A simpler, more informal phrasing.

is designed to be worn

Highlights the intended use of being worn.

is intended for wear

Highlights the item's purpose.

one can wear

Shifts the focus to the person doing the wearing.

lends itself to being worn

Focuses on the inherent quality that makes it wearable.

is fit to be worn

Focuses on the condition of being suitable for wear.

FAQs

How do I use "can be worn" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be worn" is used to describe the possibility of wearing something, often indicating its suitability for different occasions or styles. For example, "This jacket "can be worn" with jeans or a dress."

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

Alternatives to "can be worn" include "is wearable", "is suitable for wearing", or "is designed to be worn" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "could be worn" instead of "can be worn"?

Yes, "could be worn" is also correct. "Can" indicates a general possibility, while "could" suggests a conditional or more tentative possibility. Both "can be worn" and "could be worn" are valid depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "can be worn" and "is worn"?

"Can be worn" indicates a possibility or potential use, while "is worn" describes a current or habitual action. For instance, "This scarf "can be worn" in many ways" suggests versatility, whereas "This scarf "is worn" every day" indicates a regular habit.