could be

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to express the possibility of a certain outcome. For example: "It could be the answer to all of our problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could be.

The New York Times - Arts

Could be crap, could be resentment.

Independent

That could be awkward".

Independent

Nothing could be seen.

The New Yorker

Things could be better.

The Economist

For nobody could be.

The Economist

"It could be said.

The New Yorker

It could be interesting.

The New Yorker

Yoga could be... fun?

The New York Times - Magazine

"You could be one".

The New Yorker

It could be me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be" to express possibilities or potential outcomes, but ensure the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand the likelihood or relevance of the possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "could be" excessively without providing context or qualification. Overuse can make your writing sound vague and indecisive. Instead, provide specific details or evidence to support the possibility you are suggesting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility, potential, or uncertainty. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is not definite but remains a viable option or outcome, such as "Yoga "could be fun"?"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate possibility, potential, or uncertainty. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as per Ludwig AI, it functions as a modal verb phrase, lending itself to a broad range of contexts from news and media to casual conversations. While its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse settings, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "might be" or "may be" offer subtle variations in formality and emphasis. Remember to use "could be" thoughtfully, ensuring clarity and relevance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be

This alternative expresses a similar level of possibility, but is slightly less direct than "could be".

may be

This alternative also indicates possibility, but leans towards a slightly more formal tone.

it is possible

This phrase presents the possibility in a more explicit and declarative manner.

it's a possibility

This alternative is more emphatic and frames the situation as one of several possibilities.

it is conceivable

This suggests that something is imaginable or believable, emphasizing the feasibility.

conceivably

Expresses the possibility of something happening or being true.

potentially

This adverb highlights the inherent possibility within a situation or thing.

there's a chance

This option highlights the element of chance or uncertainty associated with the possibility.

is liable to be

This option suggests a stronger likelihood or tendency for something to occur.

it is likely

This alternative emphasizes the probability of something happening.

FAQs

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

"Could be" is used to express possibility or uncertainty. For example, "That "could be true"" or "It "could be interesting"."

What phrases are similar to "could be"?

Similar phrases include "might be", "may be", "it is possible", or "potentially". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be" formal or informal?

"Could be" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more explicit phrase like "it is possible".

What's the difference between "could be" and "should be"?

"Could be" expresses a possibility, while "should be" expresses an expectation or recommendation. For instance, "It "could be better"" suggests that improvement is possible, whereas "It should be better" implies it is expected or necessary.