could be discussed

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be discussed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something is possible or likely to be discussed at some point in the future. For example: "The issue of climate change could be discussed at the next town hall meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I suggested a lunch at which this thorny problem could be discussed at length.

The New York Times - Food

The project could be discussed at a later meeting, agency officials said.

The New York Times

A former Justice Department lawyer said that not every topic could be discussed in every memorandum.

The New York Times

They said they didn't have rules about what could be discussed at home.

The New York Times

On national television, programming was suspended so that Ms Englaro's death could be discussed.

The Economist

Once, just about anything could be discussed in the name of free speech.

Independent

Subjects ranging from artificial birth control to the baptism of gay couples' children could be discussed at the synod.

The Guardian

Before any further loans could be discussed, he wanted information about 18 works in the Met's collection.

The Economist

India accepted that Kashmir was a "bilateral issue" that could be discussed with Pakistan, and needed settlement.

The Economist

One of its original goals was to push the limits of what could be discussed on Chinese television.

The New York Times

Providing community cooling systems for people living with diabetes (e.g. one per village) could be discussed.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be discussed", consider the audience and context to determine the appropriate level of formality. In formal settings, ensure the tone remains professional and objective.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "could be discussed", as it can make your writing sound vague or indirect. If appropriate, rephrase using active voice to clarify who will be discussing the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be discussed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or suggestion. It indicates that a particular topic is suitable for discussion but doesn't guarantee it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be discussed" is a versatile phrase used to suggest a topic for consideration without making a firm commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for diverse contexts. The phrase's usage spans across various domains, including science, news, and formal business settings. When writing, remember to consider the appropriate level of formality and to avoid overusing passive voice constructions. Alternatives such as "might be discussed" or "is open for discussion" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. Remember that while the phrase is quite common, according to Ludwig, it's important to use it mindfully to convey the intended level of possibility and suggestion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be discussed

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability of the discussion occurring.

may be discussed

Uses "may" instead of "could", also indicating a possibility but with a slightly more formal tone.

can be discussed

Substitutes "could" with "can", implying permission or ability to discuss the topic.

is open for discussion

Rephrases to emphasize that the topic is available and welcome for discussion.

is available for discussion

Similar to "is open for discussion", highlighting the accessibility of the topic for conversation.

warrants discussion

Indicates that the topic deserves to be discussed due to its importance or relevance.

merits discussion

Similar to "warrants discussion", suggesting that the topic is worthy of being discussed.

is subject to discussion

Indicates that the topic is liable or likely to be discussed, often in a formal setting.

is up for discussion

An informal way of saying that the topic is ready and available to be discussed.

will be considered

Shifts the focus to the consideration of the topic, implying a decision-making process.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be discussed" to suggest a topic is suitable for discussion, for example, "The budget proposal "could be discussed" at the next meeting".

What are some alternatives to "could be discussed"?

Alternatives include "might be discussed", "may be discussed", or "is open for discussion", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be discussed" formal or informal?

"Could be discussed" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation to ensure it's appropriate.

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

"Could be discussed" indicates a possibility or suggestion, while "will be discussed" implies a definite plan or arrangement. The former is less committal than the latter.