could be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express possibility, especially when making a suggestion or inference. For example: "The task is difficult, but it could be done if enough time and resources are allocated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ReprintsWhat could be done?

The Economist

Nothing could be done.

The New York Times

What could be done?

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing more could be done.

The New York Times - Sports

Certainly more could be done.

The New York Times

So what could be done?

The New York Times

But it could be done".

The New York Times

And nothing could be done about that.

The New Yorker

But what if it could be done?

The Economist

What could be done about her?

The New Yorker

It could be done with "Britannicas".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be done" to suggest a course of action or indicate a possibility without asserting certainty. It's useful when offering potential solutions or exploring options.

Common error

Avoid using "could be done" in isolation without explaining how or why something is feasible. Provide specific details or examples to support your statement and make it more convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be done" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It indicates that an action or task is feasible under certain conditions. Ludwig shows it's commonly used to suggest actions or improvements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be done" is a versatile expression indicating possibility and feasibility. It's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science as per Ludwig examples. When using "could be done", it's best practice to provide context and avoid overuse without specific details. Alternatives include "can be achieved" and "is possible". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English, emphasizing its utility in suggesting actions or inferences. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, writers can effectively employ "could be done" to enhance clarity and convey nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be achieved

Focuses on accomplishment or reaching a goal, implying feasibility.

is feasible

Highlights the practicality and possibility of something being accomplished.

is possible

Emphasizes the potential for something to happen or be accomplished.

can be implemented

Focuses on the action of putting a plan or idea into effect.

is attainable

Highlights the ability to reach or obtain something with effort.

can be realized

Emphasizes bringing something from an idea to a tangible form.

is within reach

Suggests something is close to being achieved with current efforts.

can be executed

Focuses on the ability to carry out a plan or task effectively.

is viable

Highlights the capability of something to work successfully.

can be managed

Emphasizes the ability to handle or control a situation or task.

FAQs

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

Use "could be done" to express a possibility or suggestion. For example, "More research "could be done" to understand the long-term effects."

What are some alternatives to "could be done"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is possible", "can be achieved", or "is feasible" to express similar ideas.

Is it correct to say "could have been done" instead of "could be done"?

"Could have been done" refers to a past possibility that was not realized, while "could be done" refers to a present or future possibility. For example, "The project "could have been done" better if we had more resources." (past) vs "The project "could be done" if we allocate more resources." (future)

What's the difference between "could be done" and "should be done"?

"Could be done" expresses possibility, while "should be done" expresses obligation or recommendation. "This "could be done" to improve efficiency" suggests a potential action, while "This "should be done" to meet the deadline" indicates a necessary action.