could be averted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be averted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations or events that can be prevented or avoided. Example: "The crisis could be averted if we take immediate action to address the underlying issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And so, it was assumed, heart attacks could be averted.

The New York Times

"Most opera plots could be averted by some decent therapy".

The New Yorker

Many of these could be averted by IUDs.

The Economist

The guilt I feel from missing out on witnessing friends tie the knot could be averted.

The Washington Post

You start to wonder if the grim future for that person could be averted.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also hoped that the big war could be averted until '41.

The New Yorker

In sub-Saharan Africa, millions of cases of malaria could be averted".

The New Yorker

The government was hooked by the thought that disaster could be averted.

The Guardian - Business

Mara said he still had hope that a lockout could be averted.

The New York Times - Sports

France and Germany emerged from the Council meeting still talking as if war could be averted.

Independent

Such encounters had instilled false confidence that war could be averted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the passive voice construction "could be averted," ensure that the agent or actor who has the power to avert the situation is either clearly implied or explicitly stated earlier in the context for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be averted" when referring to situations that have already occurred and cannot be changed. This phrase implies a future possibility of prevention, not a retrospective action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be averted" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a potential action that can prevent a specific outcome. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing the possibility of avoiding negative situations through intervention or proactive measures. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be averted" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express the possibility of preventing negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Remember to use it when discussing future possibilities and avoid it when referring to unchangeable past events. While the phrase is versatile, consider synonyms like "can be prevented" or "might be avoided" for slight nuances in meaning. Proper usage ensures clear and effective communication, particularly when discussing risk management and preventive strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be prevented

Focuses on the act of preventing something from happening.

can be avoided

Emphasizes the ability to evade or steer clear of something.

might be prevented

Uses 'might' to indicate a slightly lower probability of prevention.

might be avoided

Uses 'might' to suggest a slightly reduced chance of avoidance.

can be forestalled

Implies taking proactive measures to prevent something in advance.

can be precluded

Suggests making something impossible to happen.

can be mitigated

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of something.

can be circumvented

Implies finding a way around something, often a problem or obstacle.

can be sidestepped

Suggests evading an issue or problem by moving to the side.

can be staved off

Focuses on delaying or holding something back, usually something negative.

FAQs

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

Use "could be averted" to express that a negative outcome is preventable. For example, "The crisis "could be averted" with swift action."

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

You can use alternatives like "can be prevented", "can be avoided", or "might be prevented" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be averted" or "could have been averted"?

"Could be averted" refers to a future possibility, while "could have been averted" refers to a past missed opportunity. Choose the phrase that matches the time frame you're discussing.

What's the difference between "could be averted" and "could be mitigated"?

"Could be averted" implies preventing something entirely, while "could be mitigated" suggests reducing the severity of something that is already happening or is likely to happen.