could be bound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be bound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the possibility of something being tied, restricted, or limited in some way. Example: "The contract stipulates that the parties could be bound by the terms agreed upon during negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If he can repeat those numbers, this team could be bound for the postseason.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike Hamels, he could be bound for the majors without more waiting.

The New York Times

Villanova's national championship football program could be bound for the Big East.

The New York Times

Phil Bardsley, recently pictured lying in a bed of £50 notes in a casino, could be bound for Hull.

The Guardian - Sport

If it gets its way, the whaling fleet could be bound for the Antarctic by the end of next year.

The Guardian

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has lost his refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy, and could be bound for the United States.

The New York Times

By the time those fish reach maturity, some 18 months from now, they could be bound for American supermarkets instead.

The Guardian

More CS could be bound to collagen scaffolds (10%) than to collagen elastin scaffolds (2.4 8.5% depending on the ratio).

Biomaterials

He argues that, in evaluating this separate application, the patent examiner could be bound by the Texas trial court's interpretation of the scope of Minton's original patent.

Cornell University

Based on theoretical analysis, all the electrode components could be bound together by Van der Waals and electrostatic interactions even under very low polyaniline loading.

Electrochimica Acta

These conjugates could be bound simultaneously by their relevant anti-steroid antibody and NeutrAvidin, and their linkers were easily cleaved by dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment.

Analytical Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be bound" when you want to express a potential future state of being obligated, connected, or restricted by something. Ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is being bound to.

Common error

Avoid using "could be bound" when you intend to describe an active action. This phrase is passive, so ensure the subject is receiving the action, not performing it. For example, instead of "the company could be bound the contract", use "the company could bind the contract".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be bound" functions as a passive construction, indicating a potential state of being obligated, restricted, or connected. Ludwig examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from legal obligations to scientific bindings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be bound" is a versatile passive construction used to express potential obligation, restriction, or connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly science, news media, and academic writing. While generally neutral, it can lean towards a more professional tone. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "might be obligated" or "may be restricted", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using "could be bound", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is being bound to, and avoid using it to describe active actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be obligated

Emphasizes a sense of duty or requirement, shifting focus from a potential state to a possible responsibility.

may be restricted

Highlights limitations or constraints, differing slightly by focusing on imposed boundaries rather than inherent connections.

might be connected

Focuses on a potential relationship or association, rather than obligation or constraint.

could be attached

Suggests a physical or metaphorical joining, differing in its emphasis on direct linkage.

may be tied

Implies a form of restriction or dependency, similar to "could be bound" but with a slightly less formal tone.

might be compelled

Highlights an external force or influence leading to a specific action or state.

may be destined

Indicates a predetermined or inevitable outcome, introducing a sense of fate or predetermination.

could be subjected

Implies exposure to something, often unpleasant or forceful, shifting the emphasis from inherent connection to imposed experience.

might be linked

Similar to "could be connected", focusing on a potential association, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on a direct relationship.

may be adherent

Implies attachment or sticking to something, either physically or figuratively, suggesting a close and lasting connection.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be bound" indicates a possibility of being obligated or restricted. For instance, "The company "could be bound" by the contract's terms" suggests the company might be obligated to follow the contract.

What does "could be bound" mean?

"Could be bound" suggests a potential state of being obligated, tied, or restricted. The exact meaning depends on the context, but it always implies a degree of constraint or connection.

What are some alternatives to "could be bound"?

You can use alternatives like "might be obligated", "may be restricted", or "might be connected" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be bound" formal or informal?

"Could be bound" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal settings might benefit from stronger synonyms like "may be contractually obligated".