could be appointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be appointed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone being assigned to a position or role in the future. Example: "If the committee approves the proposal, several candidates could be appointed to the new board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although the Solicitor General was the lowest legal appointment, a successful one could be appointed Attorney General, and by custom, the Attorney General was allowed to become Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench if a vacancy arose.

Wikipedia

The first female bishop could be appointed next year.

The Guardian

The firm could be appointed as early as this week.

The Guardian - Business

"If I could be appointed, I'd probably be serious about it," he added, wryly.

The New York Times

If the union's claims are not resolved, an arbitrator could be appointed.

The New York Times

Frank Field could be appointed minister for Returning Us to the Fifties.

The Guardian - Opinion

Board members could be appointed within a few weeks, the aides said.

The New York Times

He could be appointed interim manager during the search for Souness's successor.

The Guardian - Sport

That someone like that could be appointed to a prestigious chair is utterly outrageous".

The New York Times

That means the first women bishop could be appointed by the end of the year.

The Guardian

The problem was that New York law said that a guardian could be appointed for a "person with a disability".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be appointed" when discussing potential appointments, ensuring clarity about the possibility rather than certainty. For example, "Several candidates "could be appointed" to the committee if the proposal is approved".

Common error

Avoid using "could be appointed" when the appointment is confirmed. Use phrases like "will be appointed" or "has been appointed" to indicate a confirmed appointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be appointed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It indicates that there is a chance someone might be selected or assigned to a particular position or role. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be appointed" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression indicating the possibility of someone being assigned to a position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news reporting and encyclopedic entries. When writing, use this phrase to convey uncertainty or speculation about a future assignment and avoid using it when an appointment is confirmed. Alternatives such as "might be designated" or "may be selected" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki, and its neutral register makes it versatile for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be designated

Expresses a similar level of possibility, with a slightly more formal tone.

may be selected

Indicates a chance of being chosen, focusing on the selection aspect.

could be nominated

Specifies the act of being put forward as a candidate.

might be chosen

Similar to "may be selected" but with a slightly lower degree of certainty.

may be designated

Expresses the possibility of being officially chosen or assigned.

could be selected for

More explicit about the purpose of the selection.

might be a candidate

Focuses on the possibility of someone becoming a contender for the role.

may be considered

Highlights the aspect of being taken into account or evaluated.

could be in the running

Suggests active competition or consideration for a position.

may be in contention

Implies active competition for a role or position.

FAQs

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

Use "could be appointed" to express the possibility of someone being chosen for a role. For example, "A new CEO "could be appointed" following the board's decision".

What can I say instead of "could be appointed"?

You can use alternatives like "might be designated", "may be selected", or "could be nominated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be appointed" or "will be appointed"?

"Could be appointed" indicates a possibility, while "will be appointed" indicates a certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the status of the appointment.

What's the difference between "could be appointed" and "may be appointed"?

Both phrases express possibility. "Could be appointed" often suggests a conditional possibility, while "may be appointed" suggests a more general possibility. The difference is subtle and often context-dependent.