it can be retroactive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be retroactive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing policies, laws, or decisions that can apply to a previous date or time rather than just the present or future. Example: "The new tax law states that it can be retroactive, affecting all transactions made since the beginning of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It can be retroactive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Generally it can be said that narratives are retroactive constructions – representations of experiences, things that have happened, including the narrators ordering of events into sequence and the effort to interpret and make something out of those events [ 22, 26, 27].

BMC Nursing

It would be retroactive.

The New York Times

It would be retroactive to July 2000.

The New York Times

It would be retroactive to the nearly two years the ushers have worked without a contract.

The New York Times - Sports

It will be retroactive to July 1 and will run through 2008, the union said.

The New York Times

"My inclination would be that it ought to be retroactive as far back as you can get it because none of them ever get enough.

Huffington Post

It would also be retroactive to Thursday, regardless of the passage date.

The New York Times

A prominent theory of forgetting at the behavioral level is anchored in the phenomenon of interference, or inhibition, which can be either retroactive or proactive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's pick-and-mix, it's retroactive and it's nostalgic.

Independent

If necessary--and in his case it is--the tax should be retroactive.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be retroactive", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can lead to confusion about which policy, law, or decision is being discussed.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands the term "retroactive". Briefly explain what it means in the context you are using it, such as, "The policy can be retroactive, meaning it applies to actions taken before today's date".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be retroactive" functions as a descriptive statement indicating the possibility of something having an effect on past events or periods. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it can be retroactive" is grammatically correct and, as confirmed by Ludwig, usable in written English. It indicates the possibility of a rule, law, or policy applying to past events. While its usage is relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news media and scientific discussions. For clarity, always specify what "it" refers to and consider providing a brief explanation of "retroactive" to ensure your audience understands the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "it may apply retroactively" can be used to express similar ideas with slight nuances in certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be applied retroactively

Changes the verb from "can" to "may", implying a possibility rather than a certainty.

it might be retroactive

Substitutes "can" with "might", indicating a lower probability.

it is possibly retroactive

Replaces "can be" with "is possibly", focusing on the chance of retroactivity.

it has retroactive potential

Shifts the focus to the potential for being retroactive, rather than a direct statement.

it could apply retroactively

Uses "could" instead of "can", suggesting a conditional possibility.

it is designed to be retroactive

Highlights the intention or design behind the retroactivity.

its effect can be retroactive

Specifies that the effect, rather than the thing itself, is retroactive.

retroactivity is possible

Rephrases to emphasize that retroactivity is the key aspect being considered.

retroactive application is feasible

Focuses on the feasibility of applying something retroactively, using more formal language.

it will have retroactive effect

Indicates a future retroactive effect with higher certainty.

FAQs

How do you use "it can be retroactive" in a sentence?

Use "it can be retroactive" to describe a rule, law, or agreement that applies to a time before it was officially enacted. For instance, "The new tax law specifies that "it can be retroactive" to the beginning of the fiscal year".

What does "retroactive" mean?

Retroactive means taking effect from a date in the past. In legal or policy contexts, if something is described as "retroactive", "it can be retroactive" and it means it applies to situations that occurred before the present time.

What are some alternative phrases for "it can be retroactive"?

Alternatives include "it may apply retroactively", "it might be retroactive", or "it is possibly retroactive". The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is "it can be retroactive" formal or informal?

"It can be retroactive" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language. However, in highly formal settings, consider using a more precise term like "retroactive application is feasible" or "it is designed to be retroactive" for added clarity.