could be complied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be complied" is not correct in standard English.
The correct expression would typically be "could be complied with." Example: "The request could be complied with if all the necessary conditions are met."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They had hoped for clear rules that could be complied with — or evaded, if you want to be cynical.

The New York Times

Using this rationale we have produced materials able to store up to 1.7% (w/w) of H2 at 77 K and 1 atm with such high ultramicroporosity that the DOE-goal H2 densities established for 2010 could be complied at pressures well below 5 atm.

Chemical Engineering Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As the study observes, this share was so high that the code could not be complied with or enforced.

The Economist

Federal health officials said they needed to know the prices of all insurance products so they could determine whether insurers were complying with these requirements.

The New York Times

On the one hand, by taking the pill from the upstart of sexual activity, women could show that they were complying with the normative standard that states pregnancy should be delayed until adulthood.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

And they would require some trucks to carry "black boxes," which the police could use to determine whether drivers were complying.

The New York Times

They looked at the numbers of prescriptions for tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors that were collected over five years by 3,361 women treated for breast cancer in Tayside – which was the best indicator they could find of how well women were complying with the drug treatment regime.

The Guardian

There is little doubt that the Arab Peace Proposal could be modified to comply.

The New York Times

Under the new proposal, providers could be ordered to comply, and judges could impose fines if they did not.

The New York Times

If the political will existed, all of the UK territories could be forced to comply with any regulations in a heartbeat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Army uniformity and discipline, it was seen, could transcend the divided classes, and all army men could be made to comply with the rigorous political standards set by Mao's leadership.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing rules or standards, use "could be complied with" instead of "could be complied" to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity.

Common error

Ensure that "with" is included after "complied" to adhere to standard English grammar, making the phrase "could be complied with" rather than the incorrect "could be complied".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be complied" functions as a modal passive construction, suggesting a possibility or potential action. However, it's grammatically incomplete, needing "with" to properly connect to the object being complied with. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is not standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "could be complied" appears in some contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "could be complied with". Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. When aiming for clarity and grammatical precision, especially in formal or professional writing, it's best to use "could be complied with" or explore alternative phrases like "could be followed" or "could be adhered to". Remember to always ensure your language aligns with standard English conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be followed

Suggests a sequential action, implying that something is done according to instructions or a plan.

could be adhered to

Replaces "complied" with "adhered", focusing on sticking to a rule or standard. The change emphasizes a voluntary aspect of following the guidelines.

could be observed

Focuses on the act of following a practice or custom. "Observed" suggests a more visible adherence.

could be enforced

Shifts the focus to the act of ensuring compliance by an external party, differing from the original's implicit self-compliance.

could be obeyed

Highlights the aspect of authority and subordination, where the subject is expected to listen and do as instructed.

could be met

Implies that requirements or expectations are satisfied. This alternative emphasizes achievement.

could be fulfilled

Signifies the completion of a duty or promise, shifting the focus to the satisfaction of an obligation.

could be satisfied

Suggests contentment through meeting specific needs or demands.

could be respected

Highlights the importance of showing consideration or deference to a rule or law.

could be honored

Implies a deep sense of respect and commitment to upholding an agreement or principle.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the phrase "could be complied"?

The correct and more common usage is "could be complied with". For example, "The new regulations could be complied with if sufficient resources are allocated".

What are some alternatives to "could be complied with"?

Alternatives include "could be followed", "could be adhered to", or "could be obeyed", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "could be complied" and "could be complied with"?

Yes, "could be complied" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "could be complied with", which means something can be done according to a rule or standard.

Can you provide an example of how "could be complied with" is used in a sentence?

An example is: "The request "could be complied with" if all the necessary conditions are met." This shows how a demand can be accommodated if certain criteria are fulfilled.