could be enacted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be enacted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential actions or laws that may be implemented in the future. Example: "The proposed legislation could be enacted if it receives enough support from lawmakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could be enacted immediately without harming the economic recovery.

The New York Times

Laws banning drivers from using hand-held phones and text messaging could be enacted nationally.

The New York Times

The regulations could be enacted as soon as six months from now, officials say.

The New York Times

"I really wish a law could be enacted soon to solve this problem," he said.

The New York Times

The powers are still in the law and could be enacted at any time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Otherwise, they said, it could be enacted as a free-standing measure.

The New York Times

If the cards fall right for the Greens, many of their policies could be enacted.

The Guardian

Here is a list of measures that could be enacted almost immediately.

The Guardian - Opinion

Without such efforts, it's hard to envision how progressive legislation of any kind could be enacted.

The Washington Post

He called on the Senate to move ahead so that a final bill could be enacted this year.

The New York Times - Science

Several taxes could be enacted to help finance longer-term efforts, including the bank tax proposed by President Obama.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be enacted", ensure the context clearly indicates what "could" enable the enactment, such as sufficient support, a specific timeframe, or the fulfillment of certain conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "could be enacted" without specifying the conditions or bodies responsible for the potential enactment. Be specific about how the action becomes a reality, rather than leaving it as a vague possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be enacted" functions primarily as a modal passive construction. It indicates the possibility or potential for something (typically a law, regulation, or policy) to be made into law or put into effect. As seen in the Ludwig examples, this construction frequently appears in discussions of proposed legislation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be enacted" is a common and grammatically sound modal passive construction used to express the possibility of a law, rule, or plan being put into effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequency is high, especially within "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science" contexts. The phrase serves to communicate uncertainty and contingency, emphasizing that certain conditions must be met for the enactment to occur. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what factors influence the potential enactment and avoid vagueness. For alternatives, consider "might be implemented" or "may be put into effect", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be implemented

Changes the modal verb to "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability of implementation.

could take effect

Similar to "come into effect" but more concise and common.

could come into effect

Shifts the focus to the point at which something becomes operational or legally binding.

may be put into effect

Replaces "enacted" with "put into effect", offering a more direct and less formal alternative.

can be brought into force

Emphasizes the action of making something legally binding or operational.

is able to be legislated

Highlights the legislative aspect, specifically referring to the process of making laws.

can be made law

Highlights the transformation of a proposal into law.

is susceptible to being passed

Focuses on the vulnerability or likelihood of a proposal being approved.

is liable to be approved

Indicates a tendency or inclination towards approval.

can be ratified

Refers to the formal approval process, especially for treaties or agreements.

FAQs

How do I use "could be enacted" in a sentence?

Use "could be enacted" to describe a potential law, rule, or plan that may be put into effect. For example, "The proposed legislation "could be enacted" if it receives enough votes."

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

You can use alternatives like "might be implemented", "may be put into effect", or "can be brought into force" depending on the context.

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

"Could be enacted" suggests a possibility, while "will be enacted" indicates a certainty. "Could" implies a condition needs to be met, whereas "will" suggests the action is already determined.

Is "could be enacted" formal or informal language?

"Could be enacted" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for legal, political, or academic contexts. It's appropriate for discussing potential laws or regulations.