could be connected to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be connected to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possible relationship or link between two or more things. Example: "The increase in temperature could be connected to the rise in greenhouse gas emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it could be connected to that other unfolding disaster.

The Guardian - Opinion

They continue to search for a second man who could be connected to the shooting.

The Guardian

The loop had nodes that the radar system could be connected to.

The New York Times - Tech

Miller, however, suggested low turnout among black people could be connected to culture.

The Guardian

Try not to lose it with him, as he could be connected to the party organiser.

The Guardian - Music

Using this approach, almost any experiment (hardware system) could be connected to the server.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Police said they believe the shooting could be connected to another recent shooting in the city.

The New York Times

Police believe the shooting could be connected to an argument between rival gangs.

The New York Times

The solar power units could be connected to nearby first-responder stations that provide reserve power during crises.

Columbia University

A catheter was on the other end, via which I could be connected to the dialysis machine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The patent suggests the scrubber could be connected to greenhouses, where the CO2 would boost plant growth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be connected to", ensure the connection you're suggesting is plausible and supported by some evidence, even if preliminary. Avoid speculative claims without any basis.

Common error

Avoid presenting a potential connection suggested by "could be connected to" as a definite fact. Always maintain a degree of uncertainty if the link is not fully established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be connected to" functions as a qualifying verb phrase, suggesting a potential relationship or association. As Ludwig indicates, it's a grammatically sound way to introduce a possible connection without stating it as a certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be connected to" is a grammatically correct and versatile way to suggest a potential relationship or association. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is commonly used across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. While suggesting a possible link, it is important to avoid overstating the connection, maintaining a degree of uncertainty. Alternatives such as "might be related to" or "may be associated with" can provide similar nuance, depending on the intended emphasis. Due to its frequency and broad applicability, mastering its use is useful for more accurate and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be related to

Substitutes "connected" with "related", indicating a relationship but retaining the uncertainty.

might be linked to

Replaces "could" with "might" and "connected" with "linked", suggesting a possibility.

is possibly related to

Uses "possibly" to highlight the uncertainty of the relationship.

may be associated with

Uses "may" instead of "could" and "associated" instead of "connected", implying a potential connection.

potentially linked with

Emphasizes the potential nature of the link, adding "potentially" for clarity.

is thought to be related to

Implies that there is a belief or theory suggesting a relationship.

might be tied to

Replaces "connected" with "tied", suggesting a strong link or dependence.

could stem from

Suggests that something originates from or is caused by something else.

bears a connection to

Formally states that a connection exists, although potentially subtle.

can be attributed to

Changes the structure to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, attributing something to another.

FAQs

What does "could be connected to" mean?

The phrase "could be connected to" suggests a possible, but not definite, relationship or association between two or more things. It implies a potential link that needs further investigation or consideration.

How can I use "could be connected to" in a sentence?

Use "could be connected to" to suggest a possible link. For example: "The recent increase in unemployment "could be connected to" the new automation technologies."

What are some alternatives to "could be connected to"?

You can use alternatives like "might be related to", "may be associated with", or "could be linked to" to express a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "could be connected to" and "is connected to"?

"Could be connected to" indicates a possibility, whereas "is connected to" states a fact. The former implies uncertainty, while the latter indicates a confirmed relationship.