could be calculated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be calculated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for determining a value or result through mathematical or analytical methods. Example: "The total cost of the project could be calculated by adding all the individual expenses together."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If only this could be calculated.

The Guardian - Books

For these compounds no experimental contribution could be calculated.

Water Research

RBC residence time (T) during image capture could be calculated by Eq. (5).

Nature

"Power output of the systems could be calculated for centuries in advance," says Axmann.

MIT Technology Review

When integrated circuits were much simpler, component values could be calculated by hand.

Britannica

This could be calculated on a sliding scale proportionate to the amount of time they spend here.

The Guardian

In a career that could be calculated in generations, Lemmy was one of the few proper iconoclasts left standing.

The Guardian - Music

By measuring the angular shifts of the paths based on the timings, Halley reasoned, the astronomical unit could be calculated.

The New York Times - Science

The sect believed that the date of Armageddon could be calculated from the dimensions of the great pyramid.

The New York Times - Arts

could be calculated only for the three highest HCV RNA levels.

Journal of Clinical Virology

The most efficient transportation methods and travel routes could be calculated.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be calculated", ensure that the context clearly indicates what factors or data would be used in the calculation. Provide sufficient information for the reader to understand the basis of the potential computation.

Common error

Avoid using "could be calculated" without specifying the parameters or variables involved. Vague statements lack practical value and leave the reader unsure of the calculation's feasibility or relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be calculated" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates a potential or conditional action that can be performed on a particular subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

27%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be calculated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the potential for a value or result to be determined through calculation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from scientific research and news reporting to encyclopedic entries. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure that you provide enough context regarding the variables or data necessary for the calculation to be feasible. Remember to avoid vagueness and instead offer specifics to enhance the phrase's communicative impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be computed

Replaces the modal verb "could" with "can", indicating a definite possibility rather than a conditional one. It implies a more straightforward computation.

may be determined

Substitutes "calculated" with "determined", broadening the scope from purely mathematical computation to a more general assessment or conclusion.

is computable

A concise, technical term that directly states something can be calculated, often used in mathematical or computer science contexts.

can be worked out

An informal way of saying something can be calculated or solved, often used in everyday contexts.

is able to be figured out

Uses a more verbose structure to convey the possibility of finding a solution or understanding something. Less formal than "could be calculated".

allows for computation

Focuses on the permission or allowance of computation, indicating that conditions are favorable for calculation.

is susceptible to computation

Implies that the subject is open to being computed, emphasizing the characteristic of being computable.

is amenable to calculation

Indicates that something is receptive or agreeable to being calculated, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

lends itself to calculation

Suggests the subject is well-suited or easily adapted to being calculated.

admits of calculation

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying something can be calculated.

FAQs

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

"Could be calculated" indicates the possibility of performing a calculation. For example, "The project's potential profit "could be calculated" if all costs are known."

What's the difference between "could be calculated" and "can be calculated"?

"Could be calculated" suggests a conditional possibility, while "can be calculated" implies a definite ability or capability. "The distance "can be calculated" with the right formula" means the formula exists and is usable, while "the distance "could be calculated" if we had the velocity" means the velocity is missing.

What are some alternatives to "could be calculated"?

Alternatives include "may be determined", "is able to be figured out", or "is susceptible to computation", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "could be calculated"?

Use "could be calculated" when you want to express that a value or result has the potential to be determined through mathematical or analytical methods, provided that certain conditions are met or necessary data is available.