can only be read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can only be read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is exclusive to reading, often implying that it cannot be interpreted or understood in any other way. Example: "The ancient manuscript is so faded that it can only be read under special lighting conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Currently, the Semantic Web still cannot be widely adopted on the Web, since a large number of un-structure web documents available on the Internet contain texts in natural language that can only be read by human beings.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The title can only be read ironically: Father James doesn't endure a transformative agony.

The Guardian - Film

This layer can only be read when living, hence a dead finger won't work, unless it's kept alive somehow.

The Guardian - Tech

(While most tweets are public, DMs can only be read by the person they are addressed to).

The Guardian - Opinion

Films, when they come as fast and giant as they do in Cannes, can only be read personally.

The Guardian - Film

Secret conversations can only be read on one device and we recognize that experience may not be right for everyone.

The Guardian - Tech

Or My Ultra Secret Stuff Journal, which can only be read under the glow of a black-light pen.

The New York Times

This can only be read as a bizarre effort to circumvent the commonsense finding by a lower court.

The New York Times

Modern security technology works by encrypting data, which scrambles it so that it can only be read by someone with the right "key".

Independent

PGP stands for Pretty Good Privacy and allows people to easily encrypt messages so that they can only be read by the people they're being sent to.

Independent

Telegram is an app that allows people to talk using encrypted messages, which can only be read by the two people receiving them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "can only be read" to create a sense of mystery or exclusivity around a piece of information, suggesting it is not easily accessible.

Common error

Avoid using "can only be read" when you mean "can only read". The former implies someone or something is doing the reading, while the latter suggests the ability to read something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can only be read" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates a restriction or condition on who or what is able to access information through reading. Ludwig examples demonstrate this phrase being used in contexts ranging from encrypted messages to specialized documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can only be read" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is exclusively accessible or understandable through reading, often under specific conditions. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across various contexts, from technical documentation to creative writing, and is deemed correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to distinguish it from "can only read", which denotes an ability rather than a condition of accessibility. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is exclusively readable

Emphasizes that reading is the sole method of access, offering a more concise alternative.

is readable solely

Highlights the exclusivity of reading as the means of understanding or accessing the information.

can be deciphered solely through reading

Specifies that deciphering is restricted to the act of reading, adding a layer of complexity.

is uniquely accessible through reading

Focuses on the unique accessibility reading provides, implying a special quality to the information.

is interpreted only by reading

Highlights the interpretive aspect, stating that understanding comes solely from reading.

relies exclusively on reading for comprehension

Stresses the reliance on reading for full comprehension, suggesting a depth of understanding.

is limited to reading as the means of access

Directly states the limitation, emphasizing the constraint on how the information can be obtained.

cannot be understood without reading

Focuses on the necessity of reading for understanding, highlighting its critical role.

demands reading for interpretation

Emphasizes the demand for reading as the primary method for interpreting the content.

is exclusively understood through written words

Specifically highlights that the understanding is limited to written words, emphasizing the written form.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "can only be read" under certain conditions?

It signifies that access or interpretation of something is restricted to specific circumstances, tools, or methods. For example, a file "can only be opened" with specific software, meaning it "can only be read" with that software.

How to use "can only be read" in a sentence?

Use "can only be read" to indicate that something is exclusively accessible through reading. For instance, "The encrypted message "can only be decrypted" by the intended recipient, thus it "can only be read" by them."

What are some alternative ways to express the idea that something "can only be read"?

You could say it "is exclusively readable", "is solely interpreted through reading", or that it "requires reading for comprehension". These alternatives emphasize the exclusivity and necessity of reading for understanding.

What's the difference between "can only be read" and "can only read"?

"Can only be read" implies a passive action – someone or something is being read. "Can only read" implies an ability or action – someone is capable of reading but nothing else. For example, "This book "can only be read" by adults" versus "He "can only read" at a basic level".