could be contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of something being held or restricted within certain limits or boundaries. Example: "The spread of the virus could be contained if everyone follows the safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He could be contained.

The Guardian

If you could be contained in life then yes.

The New Yorker

Scientists were optimistic that global warming could be contained.

The Guardian - Opinion

One shudders to think what could be contained in there.

Independent

Mr. Linford said he believed that spammers could be contained, if not eliminated.

The New York Times

When someone was arrested, or turned informer, the damage could be contained.

The Guardian

Health officials here found that costs could be contained if relatives provided part of the care.

The New York Times

By raising administered prices on imported fuel, demand could be contained.

The Economist

The results showed that Vick, contrary to some of his highlights, could be contained.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think there is a chance it could be contained," Ms. McKeown said.

The New York Times

Asked whether it could be contained, they cast their gaze downward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be contained", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Alternatives like "controlled" or "limited" might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "could be contained" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "managed" or "handled" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be contained" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of controlling or limiting something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Examples from Ludwig show it being applied to diverse subjects, from viruses to financial crises.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be contained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the possibility of something being controlled or limited. According to Ludwig, it enjoys broad applicability across various domains, as confirmed by the wealth of examples provided. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the specific context when choosing this phrase, as alternatives like "could be controlled" or "could be limited" may be more apt in certain situations. Overall, "could be contained" is a reliable choice for formal and neutral contexts, conveying a sense of potential management or restriction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be controlled

Focuses more on the act of controlling or managing something.

could be limited

Emphasizes setting boundaries or restrictions.

could be managed

Highlights the aspect of overseeing and directing something effectively.

could be restricted

Implies a stricter form of limitation or confinement.

could be confined

Suggests a physical or metaphorical confinement within specific boundaries.

could be checked

Focuses on the idea of monitoring and preventing something from escalating.

could be suppressed

Implies actively preventing something from developing or spreading.

could be kept in check

Similar to 'controlled' but with a focus on maintaining stability.

could be kept under control

Similar to 'managed' but with an emphasis on maintaining control.

could be held back

Focuses on preventing progress or advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be contained" to suggest the possibility of something being controlled or limited. For example, "The virus "could be contained" if proper measures are taken."

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

You can use alternatives like "could be controlled", "could be limited", or "could be managed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be contained" or "can be contained"?

Both "could be contained" and "can be contained" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Could be contained" suggests a possibility or potential, while "can be contained" implies a stronger likelihood or ability.

What's the difference between "could be contained" and "could be restricted"?

"Could be contained" implies keeping something within limits, whereas "could be restricted" suggests a more forceful limitation or control.