could be adjusted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be adjusted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of making changes or modifications to something. Example: "The schedule could be adjusted to accommodate everyone's availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The grind could be adjusted.

The New York Times

The others could be adjusted.

The Economist

A: That could be adjusted.

The Washington Post

Although the flames could be adjusted, the racks could not.

The New York Times - Food

Dr. Thomas agreed looms could be adjusted to do so.

The New York Times

The temperature of the surfaces could be adjusted.

Combustion and Flame

Other design parameters could be adjusted to simplify manufacturing process.

Vacuum

But pegs could be adjusted in extraordinary circumstances.

The Economist

The dose of thiopurines could be adjusted accordingly.

The Economist

The sizes and locations could be adjusted for economic, environmental and policy considerations," said Jacobson.

Stanford University

The teachers' schedules could be adjusted so overtime pay would not be an issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be adjusted", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors influence the adjustment. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague sentences by specifying who or what is performing the adjustment. Instead of "The settings could be adjusted", specify, "The technician could adjust the settings" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be adjusted" functions as a modal passive construction. The modal verb 'could' expresses possibility, while 'be adjusted' indicates a passive action that can be performed on something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be adjusted" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate the possibility of modification or alteration. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for written English. Appearing most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse writing styles. When using this phrase, be mindful of clarity and avoid passive voice. For alternatives, consider options like "can be modified" or "might be altered" to suit specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be modified

Replaces "could" with "can" and "adjusted" with "modified", indicating a possibility and implementing a change.

might be altered

Substitutes "could" with "might" and "adjusted" with "altered", suggesting a degree of uncertainty and a change in form.

may be adapted

Replaces "could" with "may" and "adjusted" with "adapted", indicating a possibility and suitability.

is subject to change

Indicates that something is liable to be different in the future.

is open to modification

Highlights the accessibility of changing something.

can be fine-tuned

Implies making small, precise adjustments for optimal performance.

can be calibrated

Suggests adjusting something to a standard.

is amendable

Indicates that something is capable of being improved or rectified.

is revisable

Signifies that something can be looked over again for improvement.

is malleable

Suggests that something is easily influenced or shaped.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be adjusted" indicates a possibility for modification. For example, "The budget could be adjusted based on the project's needs" or "The thermostat could be adjusted for optimal comfort".

What are some alternatives to "could be adjusted"?

You can use alternatives like "can be modified", "might be altered", or "may be adapted" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "could be adjust" instead of "could be adjusted"?

No, "could be adjust" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "could be adjusted", using the past participle of the verb "adjust".

What does "could be adjusted" imply about the certainty of the change?

"Could be adjusted" suggests a possibility rather than a certainty. It indicates that a change is possible, but not guaranteed. Alternatives like "will be adjusted" imply a higher degree of certainty.