could arrive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could arrive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or potential for someone or something to reach a destination or a certain point in time. Example: "The package could arrive by the end of the week, depending on the shipping method."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The fighting could arrive here".

The New Yorker

The first could arrive within a year.

MIT Technology Review

News on penalties could arrive by Friday.

The Guardian - Sport

People with bicycles could arrive by 9am.

The Guardian

Those planes could arrive in time to join the strikes.

The New York Times

Unless the court is careful, that someday could arrive Tuesday.

The Washington Post

Easier-to-squeeze toothpaste could arrive in 2017.

The New York Times - Science

The wreck could arrive in Murmansk, Russia, on Sept. 28.

The New York Times

They say more caravans could arrive from the Essex site.

The Guardian

No one imagined that day could arrive so soon.

The New York Times - Sports

If the weather holds it could arrive at Roslyakovo tomorrow.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a possible future event, "could arrive" helps to manage expectations appropriately. For instance, use it to mention when a package might be delivered or when a guest might show up.

Common error

Avoid using "could arrive" when you are certain about the arrival. Use "will arrive" instead to indicate a confirmed event or scheduled arrival.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could arrive" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential in the future. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. For example, "The package could arrive by the end of the week."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could arrive" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of a future arrival. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in diverse contexts. Its function is to indicate uncertainty, making it suitable for news, media, scientific writing, and general conversation. While alternatives like "might reach" and "may get there" exist, understanding the nuances of "could arrive" helps in effective and precise communication. Be mindful to differentiate between possibility and certainty to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might reach

Indicates a possibility of reaching a destination, similar to "could arrive" but using different modal verb and verb.

may get there

Expresses a possibility of reaching a destination, using "may" instead of "could" and rephrasing "arrive" with "get there".

potentially appear

Suggests a possible appearance at a location, focusing on the act of appearing rather than arriving.

conceivably be present

Implies that it's within the realm of possibility for someone or something to be present.

is likely to turn up

Indicates a higher probability of arriving or appearing, adding a sense of expectation.

has a chance to come

Emphasizes the opportunity or possibility of arriving, focusing on the chance factor.

it's possible to reach

Highlights the feasibility of reaching a location, shifting the focus to the achievability of arrival.

may materialize

Suggests a possible materialization at some place. Could also refer to abstract ideas/concepts

it's within the bounds of possibility to be here

This is a more emphatic way to say that it is possible, but is less direct than "could arrive".

perhaps will be there

Expresses uncertainty about presence at a destination, similar to "could arrive" but using different wording and a less confident tone.

FAQs

How can I use "could arrive" in a sentence?

You can use "could arrive" to express possibility or potential for someone or something to reach a destination or a certain point in time. For example: "The package "could arrive" by the end of the week, depending on the shipping method."

What can I say instead of "could arrive"?

You can use alternatives like "might reach", "may get there", or "potentially appear" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could arrive" or "will arrive"?

"Could arrive" indicates possibility, while "will arrive" indicates certainty. Use "could arrive" when the arrival is not guaranteed.

What's the difference between "could arrive" and "might arrive"?

Both ""could arrive"" and "might arrive" express possibility. The difference is subtle, with "could" sometimes implying a slightly higher degree of possibility than "might", though they are often interchangeable.