could be caused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be caused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential reasons or factors that may lead to a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The symptoms you are experiencing could be caused by an allergic reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your wilt could be caused by the same conditions.

Columbia University

In fact, this reaction could be caused by a number of different psychological biases.

Harvard University

Some experts still believe the disease could be caused by a fungal or viral infection.

Harvard University

These could be caused by irrationality or by players' having other goals like pride or reputation.

Yale University

What genetic implications could be caused by the recent decline of the killer whale population?

The New York Times

They prevent ignition that could be caused by sparks or flying embers piercing the interior.

The New York Times

Or acne could be caused by P. acnes bacteria interacting with other factors.

The New York Times - Health

Some damage could be caused by rising sea levels, he said.

The New York Times

In this case the spread could be caused by clear-air turbulence or by wind shear.

The Guardian

Louis Pasteur, he says, was called crazy for suggesting illnesses could be caused by microbes.

The Guardian

The damage that could be caused by a too intensively commercial tourism is obvious.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be caused", ensure the sentence clearly identifies the potential cause(s). Be specific rather than vague to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "could be caused". While grammatically correct, too many passive constructions can make writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be caused" functions as a passive causal connector, indicating a potential reason or source for a situation. It expresses possibility rather than certainty. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is valid and appropriate for use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be caused" is a versatile phrase used to express potential causality across various domains. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically sound and commonly used in neutral to formal registers. While very common, be mindful of overusing passive voice and aim for specific causes to maintain clarity. Remember that alternatives like "may result from" or "might stem from" exist to diversify your writing while conveying a similar meaning. By understanding its nuances and applications, you can effectively use "could be caused" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be due to

This indicates that something is possibly the result or effect of a particular cause.

may result from

This alternative indicates a potential outcome or consequence of something.

may be a consequence of

This phrase emphasizes that something is a potential outcome or result of a particular action or event.

might stem from

This suggests that something originates or arises from a specific source or cause.

could arise from

This alternative suggests that something originates or emerges from a specific situation or factor.

might be linked to

This indicates a potential connection or association between two things.

may be attributed to

This phrase suggests that something can be credited or assigned to a particular cause or factor.

can be triggered by

This highlights that something can be initiated or set off by a particular event or condition.

can be traced back to

This suggests that the origin or cause of something can be found by following its development or history.

can be brought about by

This signifies that something can be caused or produced by a specific action or factor.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "could be caused" in a sentence?

Use "could be caused" to suggest a potential reason or origin, as in: "The delay "could be caused" by unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to using "could be caused"?

Alternatives include "may result from", "might stem from", or "may be attributed to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How does the phrase "could be caused" differ from "is caused by"?

"Could be caused" suggests a possibility or potential cause, while "is caused by" implies a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. "The problem "could be caused" by a software bug" indicates uncertainty, whereas "The problem is caused by a software bug" states it as a fact.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "could be caused"?

While "could be caused" is in passive voice, overuse can weaken writing. Sometimes, rephrasing in active voice offers a stronger alternative: instead of "The error "could be caused" by the user", consider "The user may have caused the error".