"was used" vs "can be used"

Question

"was used" vs "can be 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

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

was used

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

Answer 2

can be used

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

"was used" vs "can be used"

was used

can be used

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