could be bought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be bought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about something that has the potential to be bought, whether or not it actually is. For example: "This rare book could be bought for a high price at the antique store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Corporate bonds could be bought.

The Guardian - Business

I knew blood could be bought.

The New York Times - Magazine

The President suggested that groceries could be bought on credit.

The New Yorker

The cheap ones could be bought for beer.

The New York Times

Before, only 10percentt could be bought abroad.

The New York Times

Saint Laurent's clothes were proof that class could be bought.

The New York Times - Magazine

At Lauren's show, everything seen could be bought immediately.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Additional water, when needed, could be bought from farmers.

The New York Times

She said those gifts could be bought for about $100.

The New York Times

A poilu could be bought, again, on a mail order catalog.

Yale University

Shoppers paid cash for beef but cattle could be bought on credit.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be bought", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what has the potential to buy the subject. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Be specific about what "could be bought". Vague statements like "it could be bought" leave the reader wondering about the subject. Add a noun phrase to clarify the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be bought" functions as a passive construction indicating a potential action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It suggests that something has the potential to be purchased under certain circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be bought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the possibility of purchasing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While maintaining a neutral tone, it signals potential availability and often prompts further elaboration on conditions or circumstances. It is most prevalent in News & Media and Academic writing. When using this expression, ensure clarity regarding the subject and context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "might be purchased" for a more formal tone, or "is up for grabs" in informal settings. The frequency of usage and the authoritative sources it's found in highlight its importance in everyday English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be purchased

Replaces "could" with "might" and "bought" with "purchased", altering the level of formality slightly.

can be acquired

Emphasizes the ability to obtain something, using "acquired" instead of "bought".

is available for purchase

Shifts the focus to availability and the act of purchasing.

is obtainable

Highlights the feasibility of obtaining something, using a more concise term.

may be secured

Implies a process of securing or obtaining something, often with effort.

can be procured

Uses "procured", suggesting a formal or official acquisition process.

is up for grabs

Informal alternative emphasizing availability and competition.

is on the market

Highlights the fact that something is offered to be bought.

is for sale

Directly states that something is available to be bought.

can be traded

Suggests that something could be exchanged for other goods or services.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could be bought" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "might be purchased" or "can be acquired", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

What does "could be bought" imply about the availability of an item?

The phrase "could be bought" suggests that an item is potentially available for purchase, but the action may depend on certain conditions or decisions. It doesn't guarantee immediate availability.

Is there a difference between "could be bought" and "can be bought"?

"Could be bought" suggests a possibility, while "can be bought" implies a more definite availability. Use "can be bought" when the item is generally available for purchase. Use "could be bought" if it depends on specific circumstances.

What are some synonyms for "could be bought" in an informal context?

In an informal setting, you might use phrases like "is up for grabs" or "is on the market" to convey a similar meaning to "could be bought".