could be caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility of someone or something being captured or detected in a certain situation. Example: "If the thief is not careful, he could be caught by the police at any moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Detroit could be caught in a squeeze.

The Economist

It disappeared before it could be caught.

The New York Times

How many others could be caught out doing the same?

The Guardian

"Everybody could be caught," Petty said in January.

The New York Times - Sports

However, families who have a  third child after April 2017 could be caught.

Independent

They reckoned that 570,000 tonnes of mackerel could be caught in 2010 without damaging stocks.

The Economist

Some Arab sources adhere to the theory that Zenobia committed suicide before she could be caught.

The New Yorker

Exactly which Russian firms could be caught up in the latest American sanctions is unclear.

The New York Times

A study suggested that most lung cancers could be caught early and cured.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the nineteen-eighties, every individual that could be caught was captured and "translocated".

The New Yorker

Three others, including Qaddafi, were killed before they could be caught.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase in legal or crime-related contexts, consider if a more specific term like "apprehended" or "detained" might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

While "could be caught" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "might be detected" or "may be apprehended" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be caught" functions as a passive modal construction. It expresses the possibility of someone or something being captured, detected, or implicated. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be caught" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the possibility of apprehension, detection, or implication. As supported by Ludwig AI, its versatile nature makes it suitable for various contexts, primarily in news and media, scientific writing, and general discussions. While synonyms like "might be apprehended" or "may be discovered" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When employing this phrase, remember that it indicates a potential outcome rather than a certainty and is suitable for formal, neutral and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might get apprehended

Emphasizes the possibility of being formally caught or arrested.

may be apprehended

Similar to 'might get apprehended' but conveys a slightly higher degree of possibility.

might be captured

Focuses on the potential for being taken or seized, not necessarily by legal authorities.

may be captured

Similar to 'might be captured' but conveys a slightly higher degree of possibility.

might be discovered

Highlights the chance of something hidden or secret being revealed.

may be detected

Focuses on the possibility of being found or noticed, often through specific methods or technology.

could get entangled

Suggests the possibility of becoming involved in a complex or problematic situation.

might get implicated

Implies the potential for being connected to a crime or wrongdoing.

may get snared

Focuses on being trapped or caught in a difficult situation.

could be exposed

Emphasizes the possibility of being revealed or uncovered, often in a negative or vulnerable way.

FAQs

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

Use "could be caught" to express a possibility of being captured or detected. For example, "The thief could be caught if he returns to the scene of the crime." or "The error could be caught during the review process".

What are some alternatives to "could be caught"?

You can use alternatives like "might get apprehended", "may be captured", or "might be discovered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be caught" or "could get caught"?

Both "could be caught" and "could get caught" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "could be caught" is generally more formal, while "could get caught" is more colloquial.

What's the difference between "could be caught" and "might be caught"?

The phrases "could be caught" and "might be caught" are very similar in meaning, both expressing a possibility. "Could" suggests a slightly higher degree of possibility than "might", but the difference is often negligible.