could be decided

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be decided" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used when discussing possibilities or potential outcomes in a sentence. Example: The fate of the project could be decided at the upcoming board meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— could be decided later, in the studio.

The New Yorker

The adoption issue could be decided as early as Thursday.

The New York Times

The Cowan appeal could be decided as early as Thursday.

The Guardian

Salman v. United States and Insider Tipping: What Could be Decided?

Columbia University

It could be decided by the odd second and I am counting on my experience.

Independent

Cases could be decided by judges who heard only medical cases, rather than by juries.

The Economist

The Spanish race could be decided later this month, on April 21.

The New York Times

My future could be decided on the flip of a coin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

More and more, Taiwan's future could be decided on the streets.

The Economist

Mr Corbyn's position could be decided by electoral results in Scotland, London and Wales.

Independent

Both cities hold several marginal constituencies where Ms Gillard's cliff-hanger could be decided.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be decided", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what has the authority to make the decision. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be decided" when the outcome is already certain or predetermined. This can create confusion and undermine the intended meaning of the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be decided" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential future action. The modal verb 'could' expresses uncertainty, while the passive voice suggests that the subject is acted upon rather than performing the action. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be decided" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses the possibility of a future decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Academia sources. While it's generally neutral in register, the phrase is best used when conveying uncertainty about an outcome. Remember to ensure clarity by indicating who or what will make the decision, and avoid using it when the result is already known. Consider alternatives like "might be determined" or "may be resolved" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be resolved

Synonym of "could be decided".

might be determined

Replaces "could be decided" with "might be determined", suggesting a slightly lower degree of certainty.

may be determined

Substitutes "could be decided" with "may be determined", conveying a sense of a future outcome being established.

may be resolved

Substitutes "could be decided" with "may be resolved", implying a process of finding a solution.

might be settled

Replaces "could be decided" with "might be settled", suggesting an agreement or compromise might be reached.

is subject to determination

Changes the structure to emphasize that the decision is "subject to determination", highlighting the dependency on a future action.

is yet to be determined

Similar to "remains to be seen", but uses a more formal tone.

remains to be seen

Replaces "could be decided" with "remains to be seen", focusing on the uncertainty of the outcome.

is open to question

Replaces "could be decided" with "is open to question", emphasizing that the matter is still under consideration.

hinges on the decision

Shifts the focus to what the outcome depends on, rather than the act of deciding itself.

FAQs

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

"Could be decided" indicates a possibility or potential outcome. For example: "The date of the meeting "could be decided" later this week."

What are some alternatives to "could be decided"?

Alternatives include "might be determined", "may be resolved", or "is subject to determination", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it always appropriate to use "could be decided"?

No, ensure the context implies uncertainty or a future determination. Avoid using it when the decision is already made or predetermined.

What's the difference between "could be decided" and "will be decided"?

"Could be decided" suggests a possibility, while "will be decided" indicates a higher degree of certainty about a future decision.