could be accumulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be accumulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for gathering or collecting something over time, such as data, resources, or experiences. Example: "Over the years, knowledge could be accumulated through various educational experiences and practical applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I cannot imagine that such skill with an Etch A Sketch could be accumulated in a single lifetime.

The New Yorker

Small, incremental improvements could be passed from generation to generation and changes could be accumulated, leaving the starting point far behind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only a wealthy family could afford such an item, he explained, and that kind of wealth could be accumulated only by using slaves.

The New York Times

If, say, all assets in excess of what could be accumulated from a £1m annual salary and £1m annual bonus, were confiscated from those involved in the collapsed institutions and placed back in the public purse, would that not have an immediate beneficial effect on the economy?

The Guardian - Opinion

In the aeolian-dominated period, these sediments could be accumulated in the interdune and/or desert lake environments.

Petroleum Science

If we could involve more local people, more data could be accumulated and the picture inferred would come closer to reality.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Through predation and maternal transfer, these snakes could be accumulating levels of contaminants that may seriously compromise neuromuscular function.

The Guardian

But while there may not yet be any notable challengers to Facebook's momentum, said Ray Valdes, an analyst at the research firm Gartner, the company could be accumulating enough damage to its reputation that if a worthy opponent emerges, it will have a ready base of people willing to jump ship.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's hard for me to know where that much carbon could be accumulating in North America," says biogeochemist Richard Houghton of the Woods Hole Research Center in Massachusetts.

Science Magazine

If you've been using your web browser for a long time, it could be accumulating cruft that will slow down your browsing experience.

WikiHow

Subsequently such spectra could not be accumulated in large electronic mass spectral databases such as Wiley MSforID, ReSpect, MassBank, NIST, or Metlin.

Analytical Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potential accumulations, consider the specific context and choose a synonym that reflects the type of accumulation, such as "amassed" for large quantities or "accrued" for financial gains.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice when using the phrase "could be accumulated". Whenever possible, rephrase the sentence to use the active voice for a more direct and engaging writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be accumulated" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential or possibility. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to express that something has the capacity to gather or increase over time. The auxiliary verb 'could' expresses possibility and 'be accumulated' indicates a passive action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be accumulated" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the potential for something to gather or increase over time. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very commonly used across various domains, especially in science and news. It's crucial to select synonyms that align with the accumulation type, and avoid overusing the passive voice to create more direct and impactful writing. Considering the specific context is helpful, as well as avoiding overuse of the passive voice will improve the overall writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be amassed

Replaces 'could' with 'can', suggesting possibility rather than potential. 'Amassed' implies a significant quantity.

may be gathered

Uses 'may' instead of 'could', indicating a higher degree of uncertainty. 'Gathered' suggests a more deliberate collection.

might be collected

Substitutes 'could' with 'might', further reducing the level of certainty. 'Collected' implies a systematic accumulation.

can be built up

'Built up' suggests a gradual increase over time, often implying a structured or organized accumulation.

may accrue

'Accrue' indicates a gradual accumulation, often in a financial or benefit-related context.

might be generated

Replaces 'accumulated' with 'generated', suggesting that something is being created or produced over time.

can be compiled

'Compiled' implies that information or data is being gathered and organized into a structured format.

may be aggregated

'Aggregated' suggests that various items are being combined into a single group or total.

might arise

Shifts the focus to the emergence of something, rather than the act of accumulating it.

can gradually increase

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the accumulation process, highlighting the steady growth over time.

FAQs

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

Use "could be accumulated" to describe the potential for something to gather or increase over time. For example: "Data "could be accumulated" from various sources to improve accuracy."

What are some alternatives to "could be accumulated"?

Alternatives include "can be amassed", "may be gathered", or "might be collected", depending on the context and desired level of certainty.

What's the difference between "could be accumulated" and "can be accumulated"?

"Could be accumulated" suggests a possibility or potential, while "can be accumulated" implies a greater degree of certainty or ability.

Is "could be accumulated" formal or informal?

"Could be accumulated" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but choosing a more precise synonym might enhance clarity in specific situations.