could be altered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be altered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of making changes or modifications to something. Example: "The design of the website could be altered to improve user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the policy could be altered for next season.

The New York Times - Sports

He also emphasized that the settlement has factors unique to Texas that could be altered elsewhere.

The New York Times

"The whole character of these trips could be altered in a negative way".

The New York Times

Bigger tires could be considered, and the design of the Car of Tomorrow could be altered.

The New York Times - Sports

If the ankle unexpectedly swells up Saturday, plans could be altered.

The New York Times - Sports

"But this scenario could be altered drastically if the war is prolonged".

The New York Times

Yet this could be altered by the weather and late developments, good or ill, chez Ballydoyle.

The Guardian - Sport

When asked about the move, Theresa May's spokeswoman dismissed the idea the date could be altered.

The Guardian

Labour's team asked how Britain's future EU deal could be altered and shaped.

The Guardian

The organization chart could be altered as needed, generating new roles and new workers.

The New York Times

Body odor could be altered to repel insects and thereby fight malaria and dengue fever.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be altered" to convey a sense of possibility rather than certainty. If the change is definite, consider using "will be altered".

Common error

Avoid using "could be altered" when the situation requires a more definitive statement. For instance, instead of saying "The results could be altered", when you know they were tampered with, state directly "The results were altered".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be altered" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the possibility that something is or may be changed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be altered" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of change or modification. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. Its frequency is very common, making it a standard way to indicate potential alterations. While alternatives such as "might be modified" or "may be changed" exist, "could be altered" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying the prospect of change. Remember to use it when you want to express possibility rather than certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be modified

Emphasizes the possibility of modification, using 'might' instead of 'could'.

may be changed

Indicates a potential change, using 'may' to express possibility.

can be adjusted

Focuses on the ability to adjust something, implying a more controlled alteration.

could be revised

Suggests a more formal or thorough process of alteration.

is subject to change

Highlights that something is liable to be changed at any moment.

can be adapted

Focuses on making something suitable for a new purpose or condition.

is potentially modifiable

Highlights the potential or capacity for modification.

might be transformed

Implies a more significant or dramatic change.

could be reworked

Suggests a complete overhaul or redesign of something.

may be converted

Indicates that something can be changed into a different form or substance.

FAQs

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

Use "could be altered" to express the possibility of change or modification. For example, "The project timeline "could be altered" depending on resource availability."

What phrases are similar to "could be altered"?

Similar phrases include "might be modified", "may be changed", or "can be adjusted", all suggesting a potential for change.

What’s the difference between "could be altered" and "will be altered"?

"Could be altered" implies a possibility or contingency, while "will be altered" suggests a definite future change.

Is it correct to use "could be altered" in formal writing?

Yes, "could be altered" is suitable for formal writing as it expresses a potential for change in a professional and grammatically correct manner.