it can be caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be caught" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is capable of being captured or seized, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "In the wild, the elusive bird is known for its speed, but with the right techniques, it can be caught."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Chabrier's "Étoile," which opened on Tuesday at the New York City Opera in a production that originated at the Glimmerglass Opera, is a bubble, and like any of its kind, it can be caught only with consummate skill and the least possible effort.

The New York Times - Arts

It can be caught by drinking unpasteurized milk from an infected animal or by eating poorly cooked beef.

The New York Times - Science

Any tagged bear that returns to where people live is put to death under the state program if it can be caught.

The New York Times

The virus is found in nasal secretions and feces, so it can be caught from live birds, raw meat and possibly even farm dust, but cooking kills it.

The New York Times

Speculation continues about what explains the rest – one theory is that there may be a viral cause of heart disease, implying that it can be caught like an infection.

Independent

That is because it can be caught in a local optimum, especially in multi-dimensional optimisation problems like the optimal assembly scheduling in VCIM systems.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He said the verdict was "a stark warning to anyone else doing it that they can be caught and will be prosecuted".

The Guardian - Tech

Is it a ghost that can be caught?

Huffington Post

It's a prime time for fans to share it with their friends so that they and others who didn't watch it on the initial release can be caught up and ready for April 4th, 2015, when Part Two of Season One premieres.

Huffington Post

Mr. Perkins, perhaps realizing this, calls Bourye a jackalope of a whiskey, after the mythical jackrabbit-antelope hybrid of American folklore — a beast that can be caught, it is said, only with whiskey.

The New York Times - Food

On Southend Pier, the world's longest, which ends after 1.34 miles in water so deep that flounder, mackerel, cod and plaice can be caught in it, a grey August day finds knots of anglers at every shelter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it can be caught", ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what "it" refers to before using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be caught" without providing sufficient context. Without context, the phrase can be vague and leave the reader wondering what "it" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be caught" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of something being captured or apprehended. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, aligning with the varied contexts it appears in.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it can be caught" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the possibility of capturing something, whether literally or figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, the formality can shift depending on the surrounding language. When using this phrase, ensure the subject "it" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "it is able to be captured" or "it is detectable" to add nuance or specificity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible to catch it

Rephrases the sentence structure while retaining the core idea of possibility.

it is able to be captured

Focuses on the capability or possibility of capturing something, maintaining a similar meaning.

one can catch it

Shifts the focus to the agent who can catch it, making the phrase more active.

it is susceptible to being caught

This alternative emphasizes vulnerability or proneness to being caught, adding a layer of weakness.

it is liable to be caught

This suggests a probability or likelihood of being caught, highlighting the risk factor.

it is vulnerable to capture

Highlights the defenselessness or exposure to being caught, suggesting a lack of protection.

it is at risk of being caught

Emphasizes the potential danger or negative consequences associated with being caught.

it is detectable

Shifts the focus to the ability to be detected rather than physically caught, useful in contexts like errors or signals.

catching it is feasible

This alternative highlights the practicability or achievability of catching something.

it may be apprehended

Uses a more formal and legalistic term for being caught, suitable for official or serious contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be caught" in a sentence?

Use "it can be caught" to describe the possibility of capturing something, whether literal (like a ball) or metaphorical (like a disease). For example: "The cold is highly contagious; "it can be caught" through close contact".

What does "it can be caught" mean?

"It can be caught" means that something is capable of being captured or seized. The "it" refers to a specific noun which has to be mentioned before.

What can I say instead of "it can be caught"?

You can use alternatives like "it is able to be captured", "it is detectable", or "it is possible to catch it" depending on the context.

Is "it can be caught" formal or informal?

"It can be caught" is generally neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though the formality of the surrounding language will influence the overall tone.