could be distributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be distributed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to be shared or allocated among a group or individuals. Example: "The resources could be distributed evenly among all participants to ensure fairness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This should suffice until larger quantities could be distributed.

The New York Times

Or, that power could be distributed across the body.

The Guardian - Tech

The burden could be distributed in several ways.

The New York Times

The Treasury Department has said rebate checks could be distributed in May at the earliest.

The New York Times

And these fuels could be distributed through the current refueling infrastructure with only slight retrofits.

The New York Times

Officials suggested the aid could be distributed from border areas in Turkey, Jordan and, possibly, Lebanon.

The New York Times

Such news and documentary shows could be distributed on the ABC network, on cable or online.

The New York Times

But there is some doubt as to how quickly the vaccine could be distributed after an attack.

The New York Times

The un-transubstantiated wafers could be distributed by lay Eucharistic ministers, who are now common in the Catholic church.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bloated football budgets could easily take cuts so the money for men's sports could be distributed more equitably.

The New York Times

Though more tickets could be distributed closer to the Games, there are few guarantees of actually getting a seat.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying who or what is doing the distributing and to whom or where the distribution is occurring. For example, 'The aid could be distributed by the UN to refugee camps'.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on passive constructions like "could be distributed" can make your writing sound vague. Consider active alternatives when possible to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of 'The leaflets could be distributed by volunteers', try 'Volunteers could distribute the leaflets'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be distributed" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential for something to be allocated or shared. It describes a possibility, as seen in the Ludwig examples related to aid, resources, or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be distributed" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility or potential for allocation or sharing. According to Ludwig's analysis, it is grammatically correct and finds common usage in diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal business settings. To improve clarity, it's recommended to specify the agent and recipient of the distribution, and avoid overusing the passive voice. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is suitable for various writing purposes and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be allocated

Focuses on the act of assigning or designating something for a specific purpose.

could be disseminated

Emphasizes the act of spreading information or knowledge widely.

could be dispersed

Highlights the scattering or spreading of something over a wide area.

might be shared

Replaces "could" with "might" to express possibility, and "distributed" with "shared" to focus on collaborative use.

can be spread

Suggests the possibility of something being diffused or extended over an area.

may be given out

Replaces "could" with "may" to indicate possibility, and "distributed" with "given out" to emphasize the act of providing.

are able to be distributed

Expands the phrase to emphasize the ability or capacity for distribution.

could be apportioned

Similar to 'allocated', but implies a more precise or equitable division.

could be propagated

Suggests a spreading or multiplication, particularly useful for information or beliefs.

could be handed out

A more informal way of saying 'distributed', suggesting a casual or direct delivery.

FAQs

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

Use "could be distributed" to indicate the potential for something to be allocated or shared. For example: "The vaccines could be distributed to high-risk individuals first."

What are some alternatives to "could be distributed"?

Alternatives include "could be allocated", "could be disseminated", or "might be shared", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "could be distributed"?

While "could be distributed" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct. For instance, instead of "The funds could be distributed by the organization", you could say "The organization could distribute the funds".

What is the difference between "could be distributed" and "will be distributed"?

"Could be distributed" suggests a possibility or potential action, while "will be distributed" indicates a definite future action. The first expresses a conditional action; the second, a planned or scheduled action.