can only be studied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can only be studied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a particular subject or topic is limited to being examined or analyzed in a specific way. Example: "This phenomenon can only be studied through controlled experiments to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

They can only be studied up close because Elgin removed them.

The Guardian

But real diseases are diseases of the whole body, and can only be studied in the whole body".

Independent

The brains of living humans can only be studied indirectly, and language, unlike vision, has no analogue in the animal world.

The New Yorker

The directions of the magnetic field and of the corkscrew effect can be different in every bubble, the presumed parity violations can only be studied statistically, averaged over 14 million bubble events.

The New York Times - Science

The elaboration of a signal, which must, of course, be important to the receiver, can only be studied after consideration of compensatory adaptations in the receiver and in situations where the sender has a one-sided interest in the signal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Typical mine ventilation systems are represented by complex networks of hundreds of airways; the optimization of such complex 3 dimensional networks can only be studied using computer models.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Note that while adaptations to changes in gravitational force can be tested empirically, the initial learning of internal representations of gravity can (currently) only be studied by means of simulations and robotic experiments using anthropomorphic limbs.

Plosone

Costs as part of trade-offs can not only be studied at the individual but also at the population level because also interpopulation differences in growth rates exist.

Plosone

The number of proteins in a living organism may never be accurately counted as the number of genes, because every modified protein can only be individually studied.

Biology Direct

Quenching of peroxynitrite was not evaluated as it can only be effectively studied at a severe alkaline pH, given the lability of peroxynitrite at neutral pH.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

For these reasons many elements of cancer biology, including invasion and metastasis, can only be properly studied in the context of intact organisms.

BioEssays

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can only be studied", ensure the limitations or specific methods required are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the techniques or conditions necessary for the study.

Common error

Avoid using "can only be studied" when other methods exist, even if they are less effective. Acknowledge alternative approaches to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can only be studied" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating that a subject or phenomenon is restricted to specific methods or conditions for proper examination. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can only be studied" is a common phrase used to indicate that specific methods or conditions are necessary for examining a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in academic and scientific contexts. It's crucial to clearly specify the required methods or limitations when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "can solely be examined" exist, "can only be studied" effectively conveys the exclusivity of certain research approaches.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can solely be examined

Emphasizes exclusivity in examination, implying no other method is suitable.

can exclusively be analyzed

Highlights the restriction to a particular mode of analysis.

is exclusively amenable to study

Focuses on the suitability of the subject to a specific study method.

is uniquely suited for investigation

Stresses the unique fitness of a method or context for investigating the subject.

can solely be investigated

Similar to 'can solely be examined' but uses 'investigated' for a subtle difference in emphasis.

is exclusively accessible through research

Highlights that access to understanding is limited to research methods.

demands a specific approach to study

Indicates that the nature of the subject necessitates a certain method of study.

requires exclusive methodological examination

Stresses the need for a particular methodology in the examination process.

is strictly confined to research

Emphasizes the restriction of understanding to research settings.

necessitates focused inquiry

Highlights the need for a targeted approach when inquiring about the subject.

FAQs

How do I use "can only be studied" in a sentence?

Use "can only be studied" to indicate that a subject or phenomenon is limited to specific methods or contexts for proper examination. For example, "The effects of microgravity on bone density "can only be studied" in space.".

What are some alternatives to "can only be studied"?

You can use phrases like "can solely be examined", "is exclusively amenable to study", or "requires exclusive methodological examination" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can only be studied" or "must be studied"?

"Can only be studied" implies a limitation on the methods available, while "must be studied" suggests a necessity or requirement to study something. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing a constraint or a need.

What does "can only be studied" imply about research methods?

It implies that conventional or alternative research methods are inadequate or inappropriate for the subject in question, and a specific, often specialized, approach is necessary to gain meaningful insights.