could be administered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be administered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the potential for something to be given or applied, often in medical or procedural scenarios. Example: "The medication could be administered intravenously if the patient is unable to take it orally."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But he died before a dose could be administered, said Kargbo.

The Guardian

The agency wanted to know if it could be administered through the skin.

The New Yorker

Only, no split sample verification could be administered because insufficient blood had been drawn.

The Guardian - Sport

A tube had been inserted into her chest so that chemotherapy drugs could be administered directly into her bloodstream.

The New Yorker

In America such a tax could be administered in a similar way to the existing system.

The Economist

Mr. Chernoff argued Tuesday that the drug could be administered safely at low levels.

The New York Times

The next step in the conquest of cholera was to develop a rehydration fluid that could be administered orally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A lethal dose could be as little as a few milligrams, which could be administered as a powder or dissolved in liquid.

The Guardian

That, however, only lasted four hours, after which there had to be a three-hour pause before the next dose could be administered.

The Guardian

Using the examples, Professor Shultz and Professor Zedeck developed a test that could be administered to law school applicants to measure their raw lawyerly talent.

The New York Times

The budget could be taken in cash, in the form of a direct payment, or it could be administered for them by the council.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be administered", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is performing the administration and what is being administered. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid embedding "could be administered" within overly complex sentence structures. Break down long sentences to maintain readability and prevent confusion about the subject and object of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be administered" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the potential or possibility of an action being performed. Ludwig AI confirms this is appropriate, showing its prevalent use in various professional and scientific contexts, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be administered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that conveys the possibility or potential for something to be given or applied. Ludwig AI affirms its wide applicability, particularly in scientific, medical, and formal contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying who or what is performing the administration. Alternatives such as "might be given" or "can be provided" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression depending on the specific situation. When writing, avoid placing "could be administered" in overly complex sentences to maintain readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be given

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

may be applied

Substitutes "administered" with "applied", focusing on the act of application rather than dispensing.

can be provided

Uses "provided" instead of "administered", offering a more general term for giving or supplying something.

is able to be given

Emphasizes the ability to give something, adding a layer of capability.

is capable of being applied

Highlights the capacity for something to be applied, stressing potential.

can be dispensed

Replaces "administered" with "dispensed", which is most suitable for contexts involving medication or resources.

is permissible to administer

Highlights the permissibility of administering something, focusing on authorization.

is allowed to be given

Similar to "permissible", but uses simpler language to convey allowance.

is suitable for application

Focuses on the suitability of something for application in a specific context.

is designed to be applied

Highlights the intended design for application.

FAQs

How do you use "could be administered" in a sentence?

The phrase "could be administered" indicates the potential or possibility of something being given or applied. For example, "The vaccine "could be administered" orally or by injection."

What are some alternatives to "could be administered"?

Alternatives include "might be given", "can be provided", or "may be applied", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could be administered" or "can be administered"?

"Could be administered" suggests a possibility or conditional ability, while "can be administered" implies a general ability or permission. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize potential or capability. For instance, a new drug "can be administered" once approved, while experimental treatments "could be administered" under specific circumstances.

What is the difference between "administered" and "applied" in the context of "could be administered"?

"Administered" typically refers to the formal act of giving or dispensing something, often medication or treatment. "Applied" is broader and can refer to the general act of putting something into effect. For instance, a drug is "administered", while a policy is "applied". Therefore, the treatment "could be administered" and the law "could be applied".