it can be read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it can be read' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to suggest that something can be interpreted or understood. For example, "This ancient text is written in an ancient language, but it can be read with the help of a translation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Its publication changed the world, and yet it can be read again and again, even in that changed world.

The Guardian

It can be read here.

The Economist

He cares that it can be read.

The New Yorker

"It can be read in different ways.

The New York Times

It can be read again and again.

The Guardian - Books

It can be read many times in many ways".

The Guardian - Books

It can be read in full on the Caledonian Mercury.

The Guardian

It can be read in a number of ways.

The New York Times - Arts

It can be read at www.lipperweb.com/usa/products/studies.shtml#Risk.

The New York Times

But it can be read the opposite way.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can be read cover-to-cover or dipped into.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be read" to suggest something is not only legible but also understandable or interpretable, as in "The situation can be read in different ways".

Common error

Avoid using "it can be read" when the subject is unclear. Instead of saying "It can be read", specify what is being read to avoid confusion: "The instructions can be read on the packaging."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be read" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability for something to be read. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that something is capable of being interpreted or understood. The examples showcase its versatility across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Books

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be read" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression that indicates the ability or possibility of something being read and understood. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and literature. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to. By considering alternative phrases like "it is readable" or "it is interpretable", writers can refine their message to suit specific needs. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its widespread applicability and underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is readable

This alternative focuses on the characteristic of being easy to read.

it is possible to read it

This version explicitly states the possibility of reading something.

it is capable of being read

This phrase emphasizes the capability of something to be read.

it lends itself to reading

This suggests that something is well-suited or appropriate for reading.

it allows for reading

This alternative highlights the permission or allowance to read something.

it can be interpreted

This version broadens the meaning to include understanding or deciphering something.

it is open to interpretation

This suggests that the meaning is not fixed and can be understood in different ways.

one can read it

This version uses a more general subject ("one") to indicate anyone can read it.

it is accessible for reading

This alternative emphasizes the ease of access for reading.

it is available to be read

This highlights the availability of something to be read.

FAQs

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

Use "it can be read" to indicate something is legible or interpretable. For example, "The inscription on the tombstone "it can be read" even after centuries".

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

Alternatives include "it is readable", "it is interpretable", or "it is possible to read it", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it can be read" or "it can read"?

"It can be read" is correct when indicating something is able to be read by someone. "It can read" implies the subject itself has the ability to read, which is usually incorrect unless referring to a machine or AI.

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

"It can be read" suggests optionality or possibility, while "it must be read" implies necessity or obligation. For example, "This book "it can be read" for pleasure", versus "This contract "it must be read" before signing".