could be awarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be awarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone receiving an award or recognition in the future. Example: "If the project meets all the criteria, it could be awarded the prestigious innovation prize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Chisholm could be awarded about $400,000.

The New York Times

So Mr. Apotheker could be awarded even more as a result of someone else's performance.

The New York Times

In that case, the trustee could be awarded $83 million from Wilpon and Katz.

The New York Times

Journalism's George Orwell prize could be awarded, at long last, to George Orwell.

The Guardian - Opinion

Credits could be awarded to countries that embrace "green" development or good governance.

The New York Times

He said that in theory, some of the federal money could be awarded to New York City.

The New York Times

It was initially discretionary and could be awarded to poets living or dead, or not awarded at all.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Franklin was the first case wherein the Supreme Court held that monetary damages could be awarded in Title IX cases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this pay-per-mile system, drivers could be awarded tax credits based on how many fewer miles they drove.

The New York Times

So an IPP could be awarded for criminal behaviour that was not regarded as very serious at all.

The Guardian

If a gold medal could be awarded for the Olympic white elephant event, then Athens would surely be the recipient.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be awarded", ensure the context clearly indicates the criteria or conditions under which the award or recognition is given. For example, "The scholarship could be awarded to the student with the highest GPA."

Common error

Avoid using "could be awarded" when an active voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The committee could be awarded the prize", consider "The committee could win the prize" or "The committee could receive the prize" to emphasize agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be awarded" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the potential for receiving an award or some form of recognition. This construction emphasizes the object or recipient of the award rather than the actor conferring it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be awarded" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to express the possibility of receiving an award or recognition. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is appropriate for indicating potential or conditional outcomes. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, the formality can shift based on the source, leaning towards more formal in academic settings and more neutral in news reports. When using "could be awarded", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria or conditions leading to the award. Alternative phrases include "might be granted" or "may receive", offering subtle variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be granted

Expresses a similar level of possibility, but "granted" often implies permission or official authorization, so it's more formal.

may be bestowed

"Bestowed" suggests a formal or ceremonial conferral, typically of an honor or gift.

could be presented with

Emphasizes the act of presentation, often used for awards or gifts.

could be given

A more general and less formal alternative, suitable for everyday contexts.

might be allocated

"Allocated" is best used when referring to resources or funds being distributed according to a plan.

might receive

Focuses on the act of receiving, rather than the act of awarding; implies a passive recipient.

could be designated

"Designated" implies a formal assignment or appointment to a specific role or purpose.

may obtain

"Obtain" suggests effort or a process to acquire something, so it implies more agency than "awarded".

may be attributed

Suggests assigning a quality or characteristic to someone or something.

could be bequeathed

"Bequeathed" typically refers to property or titles passed down through inheritance.

FAQs

How do I use "could be awarded" in a sentence?

Use "could be awarded" to express the possibility of someone or something receiving an award, prize, or recognition. For example, "The grant "could be awarded" to the most innovative project."

What are some alternatives to "could be awarded"?

You can use alternatives such as "might be granted", "may receive", or "could be given" depending on the level of formality and context.

Is "could be awarded" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could be awarded" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "could" to express possibility and the passive voice "be awarded". It indicates that something has the potential to be given or conferred.

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

"Could be awarded" suggests a possibility or potential, while "will be awarded" indicates a certainty or a definite future event. The former implies conditions that must be met, whereas the latter confirms the awarding.