could be built

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be built" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is often used when referring to something that could potentially be completed or constructed. For example: "The park could be built by next summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No one thought they could be built.

The New Yorker

Strong communities could be built around them.

The New Yorker

or less and the nrniv executable could be built statically.

Yale University

So it could be built in most laboratories.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

The rest of camp could be built tomorrow.

The New York Times

He said it could be built in one summer.

The New York Times

Bicycle paths could be built throughout the East.

The New Yorker

A small pilot plant could be built within five years.

The New York Times

"It wasn't clear anything could be built there.

The New York Times

Hotels could be built on available land in Jersey City.

The New York Times

An integrated, publicly run railway could be built.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using synonyms like "may be erected" or "is potentially buildable" for stylistic diversity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be built" when you intend to convey a confirmed plan. Opt for phrases like "will be built" or "is going to be built" when the construction is certain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be built" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing possibility or potential. Ludwig shows its versatile usage across various contexts, indicating something has the potential for construction, contingent on certain conditions or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be built" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression that indicates possibility or potential for construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts including News & Media, Science, and Academia. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, while alternatives like "can be constructed" and "may be erected" can provide stylistic variation. Avoid using it to convey certainty; instead, reserve it for scenarios where construction is contingent on certain factors. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "could be built" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be constructed

Replaces "could" with "can", indicating a higher degree of certainty or feasibility.

can potentially be constructed

Combines "can" and "potentially" to slightly reinforce likelihood.

may be erected

Substitutes "built" with "erected", providing a more formal tone.

might be assembled

Changes "could" to "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

is potentially buildable

Transforms the phrase into an adjective, emphasizing the potential for construction.

has the potential to be built

Adds emphasis on the inherent potential.

is capable of being built

Focuses on the capability or ability to be built.

is feasible to construct

Highlights the feasibility of the construction.

might become a reality

Shifts focus from the act of building to the realization of something.

is achievable through construction

Emphasizes that something can be achieved through the act of building.

FAQs

How to use "could be built" in a sentence?

"Could be built" indicates a possibility or potential. For example, "A new school "could be built" if funding is secured."

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

You can use alternatives like "can be constructed", "may be erected", or "is potentially buildable depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be built" or "can be built"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "could be built" suggests possibility, while "can be built" implies ability or feasibility.

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

"Could be built" indicates a possibility that depends on certain conditions. "Will be built" expresses a firm intention or plan, implying certainty.