it can be given to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be given to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is capable of being provided or assigned to someone or something. Example: "This award can be given to anyone who demonstrates exceptional leadership skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It just shows how it can be given to you and taken away so simply".

BBC

It can be given to a friend or set in a vase to add some substance to a desultory room.

The New Yorker

It can be given to children two years of age or older or to adults in a single intramuscular injection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Surely there is an even stronger case for parliamentarians to be given this statutory role if it can be given to non-elected bodies.

The Guardian

It can be given to prospective employees across a wide spectrum of trades, costs nothing to administer and is guaranteed fail-safe.

The New York Times

The privacy policy is also wildly liberal; you provide it with access to your location, your movements and any images you capture, and all of it can be given to law enforcement or private parties.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

If it's still working, the device can be given to someone in need.

The New York Times

"It feels like a nice gift that can be given to riders for their patronage".

The Guardian - Music

It gives symptomatic relief from hay fever and head colds by drying up nasal and lachrymal secretions, and it can be given prior to surgery to reduce the production of saliva and airway secretions.

Britannica

O negative is an a key blood type because it can be given safely to patients in other blood groups.

BBC

In Western Australia, for example, if a seized synthetic isn't listed as one of the 33 banned substances in the state, it can be given back to the supplier, regardless of the harm it poses.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be given to", ensure the subject ("it") is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The prize is valuable, it can be given to anyone", specify: "The prize is valuable; it can be given to any student who demonstrates excellence."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it can be given to". Active voice often creates clearer and more engaging sentences. For example, instead of "The award can be given to her by the committee", consider "The committee can give the award to her".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be given to" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or permissibility of transferring something to someone. This usage aligns with Ludwig's analysis, which deems the phrase both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be given to" is a grammatically sound and usable expression used to indicate the possibility of transferring something to a recipient. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct. While most common in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse scenarios. To enhance writing, ensure the subject is clear and avoid overuse of passive voice. Related phrases include "it may be granted to" for formality and "it is possible to give it to" for emphasis on possibility. Overall, "it can be given to" serves as a versatile option for expressing potential transfer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible to give it to

Replaces passive voice with an active construction and adds emphasis on possibility.

it may be granted to

Substitutes "given" with "granted", suggesting a more formal or official transfer.

it is able to be conferred upon

Uses "conferred upon" for a formal or ceremonious allocation.

it is eligible to be awarded to

Replaces "given" with "awarded", implying a competitive selection process.

it is permissible to allocate it to

Emphasizes permission or authorization to distribute.

it is suitable for distribution to

Focuses on the suitability of something for dissemination.

it is designed to be passed on to

Highlights the intention or design for transference.

it is intended for provision to

Stresses the planned or purposed offering of something.

it is available for assignment to

Focuses on the availability and process of assigning something.

it is subject to being handed over to

Emphasizes the procedural aspect of transferring possession.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it can be given to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it may be granted to" or "it is eligible to be awarded to". These alternatives add a layer of formality and are suitable for official contexts.

Is "it can be given to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it can be given to" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction indicating that something is capable of being provided or assigned to someone or something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "it can be given to" and "it must be given to"?

"It can be given to" indicates possibility or permission, while "it must be given to" indicates obligation or necessity. The former suggests a choice, whereas the latter implies a requirement.

How to use "it can be given to" in a sentence?

You can use "it can be given to" when indicating that something is capable of being provided or assigned to someone or something. For example, "This scholarship "it can be awarded to" any student who demonstrates academic excellence".