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can be used vs was used

The phrases 'can be used' and 'was used' are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Can be used' is used to talk about the present or future possibility of using something, while 'was used' is used to talk about the past action of using something.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1193 views

can be used

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about the present or future possibility of using something.

Use 'can be used' when you want to express the ability or possibility of using something in the present or future.

Examples:

  • This tool can be used to fix the problem.
  • The new software can be used on multiple devices.
  • These ingredients can be used to make a delicious cake.
  • The information can be used to improve the process.
  • The same method can be used for different experiments.
  • Equivalent procedures with demonstrated equal extraction efficiency can be used.
  • INTELENCE and didanosine can be used without dose adjustments.
  • The uniform format can be used as a sticker or a stand-alone document.
  • Wood can be used to build a fine bath.
  • The vaccine can be used during pregnancy.
  • So time can be used to determine our position in space.
  • INTELENCE and atazanavir/ ritonavir can be used without dose adjustment.
  • INTELENCE and lopinavir/ ritonavir can be used without dose adjustments.
  • Taxes and subsidies can be used to promote technological innovation.
  • Several communication protocols can be used for exchanging data between air-ground applications.
  • So that nothing learnt from one can be used to decipher another.
  • It can be used to kill a CO.
  • Programmable DNA can be used to trigger the process of tissue creation.
  • It is confirmed, that it can be used as an antibody.
  • Methanol can be used to create scents or aromas.
  • This particular unit can be used in military applications.
  • There's something on earth that can be used to control me.
  • Evaluation results can be used to improve the budgetary procedures but only after amendment of existing legislation.
  • A similar trick can be used to temporarily disable a car.
  • Consider it a friendly interrogation that can be used against you in court.

Alternatives:

  • could be used
  • may be used
  • might be used
  • is used
  • will be used

was used

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about the past action of using something.

Use 'was used' when you want to refer to something that was utilized or employed in the past.

Examples:

  • The old machine was used for many years.
  • This technique was used in the previous project.
  • The car was used by the whole family.
  • The building materials were used to construct the house.
  • The same approach was used in different situations.
  • The marque Austin was used until 1987.
  • Hudson was used for build management.
  • The knife was used to kill people.
  • The hashtag was used to reveal all subsequent promotional material.
  • No magic was used in creating the Forsaken.
  • Your MetroCard was used last night.
  • This specific steel laminate was used by one gunmaker...
  • Gunpowder was used in its defense.
  • The e-card replaces the health insurance certificate that was used before.
  • Bluestone was used exclusively to renovate a ceremonial room called Conversation Hall.
  • And the garrote was used postmortem.
  • This track was used to test high frequency performance.
  • Avid was used for mite control.
  • This gene was used for in vitro selection.
  • SendGrid was used for email confirmations.
  • According to Postern Security, the code was used to set the alarm yesterday.
  • Ether was used less than two hours ago.
  • Your brother was used and eliminated.
  • Mycorrhiza was used in one field but not in the other.
  • His credit card was used yesterday in Montreal.

Alternatives:

  • had been used
  • used to be
  • had used
  • has been used
  • were used

Related Comparisons

will be using vs will be used can significantly be used vs can significantly used can also be used vs can be also used could be used vs could have been used

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