could be disclosed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be disclosed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of revealing or making information known to others. Example: "The details of the agreement could be disclosed during the negotiation process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There are understandable limitations on what could be disclosed about a particular special intelligence operation.

The Guardian

She also found that national security meetings that Brandis had attended could be disclosed.

The Guardian

Then it conceded it could be disclosed to the full commission.

The New York Times

She feared it could be disclosed to employers when they checked her criminal record.

The Guardian

"Then it said the document could be disclosed, but only to three of the 10 commissioners.

The New York Times

The Treasury Department's press release said no further information about the search warrants could be disclosed.

The New York Times

Under the jail's federal contract, she said, nothing more could be disclosed.

The New York Times

He added that decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis as to what could be disclosed.

The New York Times

Such communication may be inappropriate because significant, nonpublic information about investigations could be disclosed, the inspector general's report said.

The New York Times

As I knew it, the ACB was a place where crushes could be disclosed, frustrations vented, memes developed — and harassment and incoherence reigned.

The New Yorker

Importantly, it was also suggested that police complaints authority reports could be disclosed to complainants, subject only to a "substantial harm" test.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be disclosed" when discussing the possibility of information being revealed, particularly in formal or neutral contexts. Consider the implications of the disclosure and whether it is permissible or likely.

Common error

While "could be disclosed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider whether an active voice construction (e.g., "someone could disclose") would be more appropriate and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be disclosed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of an action (disclosure) being performed on a subject. As shown in Ludwig, it modifies verbs to express possibility or potential. Ludwig AI shows that this passive form suggests that the agent performing the disclosing action is either unknown or unimportant to the context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be disclosed" is a versatile and frequently used modal passive construction, signifying the possibility of information being revealed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across a range of formal and informal contexts. While it's essential to consider alternatives to avoid passive voice overuse, understanding its function and appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication. As Ludwig's examples highlight, this phrase commonly appears in news reports and scientific publications, demonstrating its wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be revealed

Emphasizes the possibility of revelation with a slightly weaker degree of certainty.

may be revealed

Indicates a possibility of revelation, often suggesting a slightly higher likelihood than "might be revealed".

can be revealed

Focuses on the ability or permission to reveal something.

might be divulged

Similar to "might be revealed" but suggests a more confidential or sensitive disclosure.

may be divulged

Similar to "may be revealed" but with an emphasis on confidential information.

can be divulged

Focuses on the ability to disclose confidential information.

might be uncovered

Suggests a more investigative or accidental revelation.

may be uncovered

Implies a possibility of finding something previously hidden.

can be uncovered

Implies ability of finding something previously hidden.

might come to light

Indicates that something hidden may become publicly known.

FAQs

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

Use "could be disclosed" to express the possibility that some information might be revealed. For example: "The details of the investigation "could be disclosed" during the trial."

What are some alternatives to "could be disclosed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might be revealed", "may be divulged", or "can be uncovered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "could be disclosed" rather than "should be disclosed"?

"Could be disclosed" indicates a possibility, whereas "should be disclosed" implies a moral or legal obligation. Use "could be disclosed" when you want to discuss the potential for information to be revealed, without necessarily advocating for it.

Is "could be disclosed" formal or informal?

"Could be disclosed" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In more informal settings, you might opt for simpler phrasing, such as "might come out" or "could get out".