could be agreed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be agreed" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to indicate a possible agreement or decision that is being considered or discussed. It suggests that a decision has not yet been finalized, but there is a potential for it to be agreed upon in the future. Example: "The proposed changes to the budget could be agreed upon at the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, if an orderly default could be agreed on now.

The New York Times

One analyst warned that it would not survive unless a deal with landlords could be agreed.

Independent

He said methods of verification, possibly including international monitoring, could be agreed to in negotiations.

The New York Times

At just 27 pages long, it represents what could be agreed at the time.

The Guardian

But EU officials are uncertain whether this could be agreed in the political declaration.

The Guardian

Alternatively, a temporary or trial period could be agreed, with regular reviews.

The Guardian - Money

Vivendi had threatened to withhold payments until better terms could be agreed.

The New York Times

Bloom had to be elbowed out before a pact could be agreed.

The Guardian

Malmström said she still believed a deal could be agreed, but it would be difficult.

The Guardian

It was a routine fight for Ali to keep him busy before a contest with Foreman could be agreed.

Independent

Some members of Fatah said that the most that could be agreed would be a ban on attacks inside Israel.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potential agreements, use "could be agreed" to convey uncertainty or possibility. This phrasing is especially useful in contexts where negotiations are ongoing or the outcome is not yet certain. For a stronger sense of certainty, use "will be agreed".

Common error

While "could be agreed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate. For example, instead of "The terms could be agreed upon," you might write "The parties could agree on the terms."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be agreed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for an agreement to be reached. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it appearing in contexts of negotiations, deals, and resolutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be agreed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the possibility of reaching an agreement. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to suggest a decision that has not yet been finalized, but has the potential to be agreed upon in the future. Its presence is particularly strong in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. When writing, remember to use "could be agreed" to express uncertainty, and avoid overuse of the passive voice for clearer and more impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be consented to

Replaces 'agreed' with 'consented', emphasizing voluntary agreement or permission.

could be approved

Substitutes 'agreed' with 'approved', suggesting formal acceptance or authorization.

could be settled

Replaces 'agreed' with 'settled', implying a resolution or compromise has been reached.

could be decided

Uses 'decided' instead of 'agreed', focusing on the act of making a choice or determination.

could be determined

Emphasizes the process of ascertaining or establishing something rather than simply agreeing.

could be arranged

Shifts the focus to the practical steps of organizing or planning something to facilitate agreement.

could be negotiated

Highlights the discussion and bargaining process involved in reaching an agreement.

could be reached

Focuses on successfully arriving at a consensus or common understanding.

could be concurred with

Replaces 'agreed' with 'concurred', emphasizing a formal agreement or alignment of opinions.

could be ratified

Suggests that a formal validation or confirmation process might occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be agreed" to indicate a potential agreement or decision. For example: "The terms of the contract "could be agreed" upon during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "could be agreed"?

Alternatives include "could be approved", "could be settled", or "could be negotiated" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "could be agreed" and "will be agreed"?

"Could be agreed" suggests a possibility or potential for agreement, whereas "will be agreed" indicates a higher degree of certainty that an agreement will be reached.

Is "could be agreed on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could be agreed on" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The preposition "on" is often added for clarity, especially when referring to specific terms or conditions. For example, “The conditions "could be agreed on" before the deadline”.