could be contacted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be contacted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the possibility of reaching someone or something for communication or information. Example: "If you have any questions, please let us know how you could be contacted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of 1699 eligible survivors, 1497 could be contacted and 1067 responded (response rate 63% of eligible, 72% of contacted survivors).

British Journal of Cancer

Neither Lewis nor Said could be contacted.

The Guardian

Neither lawyer could be contacted in time for publication.

Independent

Nobody from Robin Hood airport could be contacted last night.

Independent

Neither Ash nor Rhiannon could be contacted for comment.

The Guardian

Of the original 222 participants, 75 patients or surrogates could be contacted.

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Shapps told a parliamentary committee that he could be contacted through the same email address.

The Guardian

Neither of Bale's agents in the United States could be contacted for comment.

Independent

The administrative and billing contacts were listed as Salu Kalu, who could be contacted by e-mail at [email protected]

Harvard University

Twenty-one of these subjects could be contacted and agreed to a semistructured interview designed to diagnose specific phobia of illness and screen for other common psychiatric disorders.

General Hospital Psychiatry

Another, enacted before the 1978 recall, required that independent tire dealers keep track of buyers' addresses, so that those customers could be contacted during a recall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be contacted" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who is capable of initiating the contact. For instance, specify the means of contact (e.g., "could be contacted via email") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't use "could be contacted" without specifying the time frame or method. Saying someone "could be contacted" without context leaves the reader wondering when or how.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be contacted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility of someone being reached for communication. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is commonly used in research, news reports, and general communication to denote accessibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be contacted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates the possibility of reaching someone for communication. As confirmed by Ludwig, its neutral register and wide applicability make it suitable for various contexts, including scientific research, news reporting, and general correspondence. While alternatives like ""can be reached"" and "may be contacted" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance and context. When using the phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Overall, "could be contacted" is a versatile and reliable option for expressing potential communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be reached

Implies a general possibility of making contact, similar to the original phrase.

may be contacted

Suggests a slightly lower probability or a more formal tone.

is reachable

Focuses on the state of being accessible.

is accessible

Focuses on the general accessibility of the person or entity.

is available for contact

Highlights availability for communication.

can be communicated with

Emphasizes the act of communication.

can be spoken to

Emphasizes the ability to have a conversation.

is able to be contacted

A more verbose and slightly less common alternative.

is within reach

A more figurative way to express accessibility.

can be gotten ahold of

More informal way to express that someone can be contacted.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be contacted" to indicate the possibility of reaching someone, such as, "If you have any questions, please provide details on how you "can be reached"".

What are some alternatives to "could be contacted"?

Some alternatives include ""can be reached"", "may be contacted", or "is reachable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could be contacted" or "can be contacted"?

"Could be contacted" suggests a possibility or condition, while "can be contacted" implies a general ability or permission. The choice depends on the context.

In what situations is "could be contacted" most appropriate?

"Could be contacted" is suitable when discussing potential future communication, such as in research studies when determining how many participants "can be reached" for follow-up.