could be drafted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be drafted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of creating or formulating a document, plan, or proposal. Example: "The new policy could be drafted by the end of the week if all the necessary information is gathered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If war came, men could be drafted faster if they are registered.

The New York Times

Students who could not vote but could be drafted for Vietnam took up resistance.

The Guardian - Opinion

And depending on what happens in court next week, he could be drafted next Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

All five of this year's freshmen starters could be drafted this summer.

The New Yorker

If they knew that they could be drafted, however, they'd take to the streets.

The New York Times

During the Vietnam war, college students could be drafted, and that helped make it enormously unpopular.

The Guardian - Books

Education norms could be drafted and put in effect province by province.

The New York Times

Talley has said he could be drafted as high as the third round.

The New York Times - Sports

His number was 152, and people with numbers as high as 195 could be drafted, according to the Selective Service.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bruno said that he expected that a bill could be drafted and passed by early next week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If O'Mahony does miss Saturday's game, Ulster forward Iain Henderson could be drafted into the starting line-up.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be drafted" when indicating a possibility or potential action, often in situations where someone or something might be selected or compelled to serve in a particular capacity. It implies a level of uncertainty but also a realistic chance of the action occurring.

Common error

Avoid using "could be drafted" in extremely formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred. Alternatives like "may be selected" or "might be appointed" may be more suitable in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "could be drafted" is to express a possibility or potential action in the passive voice. It indicates that someone or something is liable to be selected or compelled for a particular purpose. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be drafted" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the possibility of being selected or compelled into a certain role or situation. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as formal and business settings, with a neutral register. While alternatives like "might be selected" or "may be chosen" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of potential selection or assignment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be selected

Indicates a slightly lower probability of selection compared to being drafted.

may be chosen

Suggests a formal selection process, differing from the potential urgency implied by 'drafted'.

could be recruited

Emphasizes the active recruitment process, not necessarily a mandatory draft.

might be enlisted

Specifically relates to military or organized service enrollment.

can be appointed

Focuses on a formal appointment or designation to a role.

may be designated

Emphasizes formal designation, often implying a specific purpose.

might be considered

Highlights that the person is under consideration but the choice is not definite.

may be nominated

Specifically suggests being formally put forward for a position.

can be assigned

Implies a task or responsibility is being given to someone.

might be picked

Indicates an informal or less structured selection process.

FAQs

How to use "could be drafted" in a sentence?

You can use "could be drafted" to express the possibility of someone being selected or required to participate in something, such as military service or a sports team. For example, "He "could be drafted" into the army if the war escalates."

What can I say instead of "could be drafted"?

You can use alternatives like "might be selected", "may be chosen", or "could be recruited" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be drafted" or "can be drafted"?

"Could be drafted" implies a possibility or potential future event, whereas "can be drafted" suggests the ability or permission to be drafted. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.

What's the difference between "could be drafted" and "might be drafted"?

Both "could be drafted" and "might be drafted" express possibility. "Could" often implies a slightly higher probability or a wider range of conditions under which the drafting could occur, while "might" suggests a more remote possibility.