could be collected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be collected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility of gathering or obtaining something, often in a hypothetical or conditional context. Example: "Data from various sources could be collected to improve the accuracy of the research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Taxes could be collected there.

The New York Times

Deliveries could be collected by car and then distributed.

The Guardian

Few people knew about it, and fewer still thought it could be collected.

The New York Times - Arts

Then weapons could be collected and soldiers dispersed to their homes or other centers.

The New York Times

Even so, the manager would have assumed that the points could be collected without fuss.

The Guardian - Sport

For example, fees could be collected on all emissions in excess of some fixed level.

Cornell University

Consequently, only a limited set of data under the kinetic control regime could be collected.

Catalysis Today

Residue from forest, agricultural, and agro-industrial activities could be collected and converted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bovine teat and gland cistern lining could be visualized and small biopsy samples could be collected.

Journal of Dairy Science

The test would cost less than $300, and samples could be collected at home.

The New York Times

The appeals court said evidence could be collected for a possible trial.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be collected", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being collected and the potential source or method of collection. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "could be collected". While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make your writing sound vague and less engaging. Opt for active voice where appropriate to specify who or what is performing the collection action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be collected" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential action in the passive voice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be collected" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express the potential for gathering or obtaining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts. Analysis of its usage indicates that it's prevalent in scientific, news, and academic writing. While maintaining a neutral register, it's essential to use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse of the passive voice. Alternatives like "might be gathered" or "can be obtained" can provide variety and nuance. Remember to clearly define what is being collected and its source for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be gathered

Suggests a slightly lower probability than "could be collected".

can be obtained

Indicates a possibility and capability of obtaining something.

may be assembled

Focuses on the action of bringing different parts together.

can be amassed

Suggests accumulating a large quantity of something.

might be compiled

Implies gathering information to create a report or summary.

can be accumulated

Highlights the gradual increase in quantity over time.

may be harvested

Specifically relates to gathering crops or natural resources.

could be extracted

Emphasizes the process of removing something from a source.

might be recovered

Suggests regaining something that was lost or taken.

can be retrieved

Implies accessing and obtaining information or items that are stored.

FAQs

What does "could be collected" mean?

The phrase "could be collected" indicates that something has the potential or possibility of being gathered or obtained. It implies a conditional or hypothetical scenario where collection is feasible.

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

You can use alternatives like "might be gathered", "can be obtained", or "may be assembled" depending on the context.

How do I use "could be collected" in a sentence?

Use "could be collected" to describe potential scenarios where items or information can be gathered. For example, "Data from various sources could be collected to improve research accuracy."

Is "could be collected" formal or informal?

"Could be collected" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and purpose of the communication. It is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase.