could be broadening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be broadening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to expand or become more inclusive in scope or understanding. Example: "The recent research findings suggest that our understanding of the topic could be broadening as new evidence emerges."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The possibility that the NAT enzymes could be broadening or changing their substrate specificity in accordance to the high diversity of xenobiotics compounds environmentally available suggests that their metabolic function could be under adaptive evolution and makes them a promising subject for evolutionary analyses.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Likewise, and more generally, considering the temporal fluctuations in the kinds and levels of environmentally available xenobiotic compounds over evolutionary time, the metabolic function of NATs is likely to be under adaptive evolution and the NAT genes could be broadening or changing substrate specificity in response to changing environmental conditions.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This approach could be broadened to other markets that have shut down.

The Economist

Mr Shabazz said the suit could be broadened to include additional claimants.

Independent

A number of legislators said Tuesday that Mr. Putin's measure could be broadened.

The New York Times

"The scope could be broadened to include all construction, funded by permit fees," Mr. Spinola suggested yesterday.

The New York Times

Wyoming has long agitated to have the wolves delisted so that hunting could be broadened under state regulations.

The New York Times

According to its official remit, his inquiry has been initially focussing on the Special Demonstration Squad and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU), but could be broadened out to scrutinise other covert work.

The Guardian

The Motoring Enthusiast party senator Ricky Muir is also proposing the commission could be broadened to cover "sham contracting" and "phoenixing" – when companies declare bankruptcy to avoid paying workers and subcontractors before resuming operations under another name.

The Guardian

Alpbach's slopes are visible from the Auffach area, and it was clear that the appeal of both valleys could be broadened; so talks about a lift link began back in 2000.

Independent

Many multilinguals report different personalities, or even different worldviews, when they speak their different languages.It's an exciting notion, the idea that one's very self could be broadened by the mastery of two or more languages.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be broadening" when you want to suggest a possibility or potential for expansion or increased scope, but without stating it as a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "could be broadening" in situations where a more direct and assertive statement is appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain when confidence is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be broadening" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential for something to expand or increase in scope. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be broadening" expresses a possibility of expansion or increase in scope. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound, it appears relatively infrequently, as evidenced by the limited number of examples. It functions primarily to express speculation, with a neutral register suitable for both news and scientific contexts. Consider alternatives like "might be expanding" or "could be widening" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While the usage patterns may change as more data gets available, it's clear that "could be broadening" has enough value and is used in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be expanding

Focuses on the possibility of growth or increase in scope.

could be widening

Emphasizes an increase in breadth or range.

may be extending

Highlights the act of making something longer or more comprehensive.

might be amplifying

Suggests an increase in intensity or effect, akin to expansion.

could be augmenting

Implies adding to something to enhance its value or completeness.

may be developing

Focuses on the process of growth and maturation, leading to broader implications.

might be increasing

Indicates a rise in quantity or degree, reflecting a broadening effect.

could be diversifying

Suggests the introduction of variety, leading to a broader range of applications or understanding.

may be generalizing

Highlights the process of making something applicable to a wider range of cases or situations.

might be unfolding

Emphasizes the gradual revelation or expansion of something over time.

FAQs

What does "could be broadening" mean?

The phrase "could be broadening" suggests a possibility or potential for something to expand, increase in scope, or become more inclusive. It implies that the expansion is not definite but remains a plausible outcome.

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

You can use "could be broadening" to discuss the potential for something to become more extensive or comprehensive, such as "The scope of the investigation "could be broadening" to include additional claimants".

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

You can use alternatives like "might be expanding", "could be widening", or "may be extending" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be broadening" formal or informal?

"Could be broadening" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in a variety of contexts, from news reports to scientific discussions. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain academic or business settings.