could be creating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be creating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a possibility or potential action that someone or something might be engaged in. Example: "The new software update could be creating issues for users who have not yet installed it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Now, you could be creating that same circumstance in a foreign capital".

The New York Times

"We could be creating companies that are bigger than Standard Oil," Galbraith says.

The Guardian - Tech

They could be creating more clear-cut chances and they need to be accepting more of them.

The Guardian - Sport

The rise is prompting concerns among health officials that the new devices could be creating as many health problems as they are solving.

The New York Times - Health

Mr Ghosn, who no longer holds any position in Renault, could be creating his next job opportunity, as head of the combined group.

The Economist

Chicago Public Schools "could be creating the seeds for a much better informed and much better prepared bargaining agent than the city's ever experienced," he said.

The New York Times

But caveats aside, "I think to the extent that it could be creating authentic, human female characters, it is a push towards a more feminist media".

The Guardian

Les Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, is worried New Jersey could be creating a new generation of problem gamblers.

The Guardian

And with standards for the documentation, archiving and accessing of data – official and personal – still being thrashed out, Terras is concerned we could be creating a timebomb.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Areas for informal meetings and coffee could be created.

The Economist

Suppose a democratic Syria could be created today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be creating" to express possibilities or potential actions, ensuring the context supports a degree of uncertainty rather than a definitive statement. For example, "Increased screen time could be creating eye strain in children" suggests a possible link, not a confirmed one.

Common error

Avoid using "could be creating" when there is clear evidence of a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Instead of saying "The storm could be creating flooding", use "The storm is creating flooding" when the connection is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be creating" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential action in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It suggests that something is not definitively happening, but has the potential to occur or be in the process of occurring.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Science & Research

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be creating" serves to express a potential or possible action that is in progress. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its versatility allows its usage across multiple contexts, from casual conversation to formal reporting. While useful for expressing possibility, be cautious not to use it when a definite action is known. Similar alternatives include "might be generating" and "may be producing", offering nuance depending on the specific context. Finally, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be generating

Uses "might" instead of "could", indicating a slightly lower probability.

may be producing

Substitutes "could" with "may" and "creating" with "producing", altering the emphasis on potentiality and action.

potentially forming

Replaces "creating" with "forming", focusing on the potential development of something.

conceivably developing

Emphasizes the conceivability of the development, rather than the act of creation.

possibly bringing about

Uses a phrasal verb to replace "creating", highlighting the potential consequence.

has the potential to generate

Shifts the focus to potential and uses "generate" instead of "create".

is capable of producing

Highlights the capability to produce, rather than the action itself.

is liable to cause

Implies a higher likelihood of causing something, often negative.

might give rise to

Suggests a causal relationship, where something "might give rise to" something else.

could result in

Focuses on the outcome or result of a potential action.

FAQs

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

Use "could be creating" to suggest a possible, but not definite, action or outcome. For instance, "The new policy "could be creating" unforeseen problems" indicates a potential issue.

What phrases are similar to "could be creating"?

Similar phrases include "might be generating", "may be producing", or "potentially forming", each carrying a slightly different nuance of possibility.

When is it inappropriate to use "could be creating"?

Avoid using "could be creating" when the action is known and certain. Use a more direct phrase like "is creating" or "is causing" instead.

Is "could be creating" formal or informal?

"Could be creating" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles.