could be controlled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be controlled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility of managing or regulating something in various contexts. Example: "The situation was chaotic, but with the right measures, it could be controlled."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nanoscale-controlled curvature radius could be controlled by a well-defined amorphous SiO2 layer/Si [44].

Nanoscale Research Letters

The former could be controlled — indeed, is control itself.

The New Yorker

In addition, current density and temperature could be controlled well.

Physics Procedia

Material properties could be controlled by macromer chemistry.

Acta Biomaterialia

The LED light could be controlled by either PWM modulation or the internal Vref.

Cornell University

Next, Schimke found that specific gene functions could be controlled by hormones.

Stanford University

They'd been implanted with devices by which they could be controlled.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He showed how many things could be controlled by pressing buttons.

The New Yorker

It could be controlled by touch, eye blinks, eyebrow movements and other gestures.

The Guardian

When necessary, secrecy of data could be controlled through special levels of access authorization.

The New York Times

Mirrors could be controlled by shades and regulators and the light sold to the highest bidder.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be controlled", ensure the context clearly indicates by what or whom something can be controlled. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be controlled" without specifying the subject being controlled. Vague subjects can lead to ambiguity and confusion. Always clarify what "could be controlled" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be controlled" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the potential for something to be managed or regulated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, demonstrating its role in expressing possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be controlled" is a versatile phrase indicating the possibility of management or regulation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. It's important to provide a clear subject of control to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "could be regulated" or "could be managed" offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. Whether discussing temperature, gene functions, or bleeding, the phrase "could be controlled" expresses potential influence and governance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be regulated

Focuses on governing or directing something according to rules or principles.

could be managed

Implies handling or supervising something effectively.

could be influenced

Suggests the possibility of affecting the outcome or behavior of something.

could be directed

Emphasizes guiding or steering something towards a specific goal.

could be governed

Highlights the act of ruling or controlling with authority.

could be adjusted

Focuses on modifying or altering something to achieve a desired state.

could be curbed

Suggests restraining or limiting something undesirable.

could be reined in

Implies controlling something that is becoming excessive or unruly.

could be channeled

Focuses on directing something into a specific path or direction.

could be tamed

Suggests bringing something wild or uncontrolled under control.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be controlled" to indicate the possibility of managing or regulating something. For example, "The temperature "could be controlled" with a thermostat".

What are some alternatives to "could be controlled"?

Alternatives include "could be regulated", "could be managed", or "could be influenced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Can be controlled" suggests a definite ability, while "could be controlled" indicates a possibility or potential. The choice depends on whether the control is certain or conditional.

What does "could be controlled by" mean?

It means that something has the potential to be managed or regulated by a specific entity or method. For instance, "The system "could be controlled" by an administrator".