could be determined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be determined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of finding out or establishing something, often in a hypothetical or conditional context. Example: "The outcome of the experiment could be determined by the variables we choose to manipulate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Villa's fate could be determined this week.

The Guardian - Sport

What was "good" then could be determined by that dogma.

The New York Times - Arts

No cause could be determined, her daughter said.

The New York Times

In some instances, a retailer's survival could be determined by its suppliers, known as vendors.

The New York Times

The extent of the injury could be determined by how the shoulder responds Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

How far the use of Provigil will extend could be determined in the coming months.

The New York Times

Yes, this is the week when division races, even the World Series winner, could be determined.

The New York Times

The Belgians said the identity of the second killer could be determined within days.

The New York Times

"The distant future will have its own circumstances, and positions could be determined then," he said.

The Guardian

As far as could be determined in the gloaming, he did not unleash the prancing horse.

The New Yorker

Not dangerous, as far as could be determined, but not suitable for lemonade, either.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use alternatives like "might be ascertained" or "can be identified" to introduce nuance and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "could be determined" when the outcome is highly speculative or lacks a clear path for verification. Opt for softer language like "might be estimated" to reflect uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be determined" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject is capable of being ascertained or established. This suggests a potential for discovery or resolution, contingent on certain conditions or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be determined" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific and news contexts, where it serves to indicate the possibility of ascertaining or establishing a particular fact or outcome. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. While "could be determined" is used across a variety of registers, it maintains a formal tone making it suitable for academic writing, journalism, and professional communication. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "might be ascertained" or "can be identified" to vary the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be ascertained

Replaces "could" with "might", softening the certainty of determination while retaining the same core meaning.

may be established

Substitutes "determined" with "established", focusing on the act of confirming or proving something, and "could" with "may" softening the certainty.

can be identified

Changes the focus to identification rather than determination, implying a discovery process, and "could" with "can" for ability.

is potentially identifiable

Emphasizes the potential for identification, adding a layer of possibility and process.

is possibly discovered

Highlights the chance of discovery, suggesting an element of chance or serendipity.

is open to determination

Shifts the focus to the availability or susceptibility of something to be determined.

remains to be seen

Implies that the determination is pending and will be revealed in the future.

can potentially be found

Focuses on the act of finding as the method of determination, highlighting the potential for discovery.

is subject to ascertainment

Indicates that something is in the process of being verified or confirmed.

is liable to be established

Suggests a likelihood or tendency for something to be confirmed or proven.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be determined" to indicate a possibility of finding something out. For example, "The cause of the error "could be determined" with further analysis."

What are some alternatives to using "could be determined"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "might be ascertained", "can be identified", or "may be established", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "could be determined" or "can be determined"?

"Could be determined" suggests a possibility or a conditional situation, while "can be determined" implies a greater degree of certainty or ability. The choice depends on the context and the level of confidence in the determination.

What is the difference between "could be determined" and "remains to be seen"?

"Could be determined" implies that there is a method or process by which something can be found out, while "remains to be seen" suggests that the outcome is uncertain and will only be revealed in the future.