could be entangled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be entangled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of being involved in a complex or complicated situation, often in contexts related to relationships, physics, or legal matters. Example: "The two issues could be entangled, making it difficult to address them separately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Prosecutors investigating Ms. Rodriguez said they concluded that Mr. Ostreicher could be entangled in the laundering of "capital of dubious origin".

The New York Times

Arguably, by analogy with entanglement, if a plurality of coexistent omnipotent agents is possible, then there could be "entangled" omnipotent agents, A1 and A2, such that it is metaphysically necessary that A1 endeavors to bring about a certain state of affairs if and only if A2 endeavors to bring about the same state of affairs.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sarkozy will appeal, but could well be entangled in a legal process that might take years to unravel.

The Guardian - Opinion

For instance, a pair of black holes could in principle be made simultaneously, and these would automatically be entangled.

Huffington Post

However, for longer times, the system exhibits a series of "revivals" and "collapses," which in our opinion, could be used to make the electrons in DQW structure to be entangled.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Alternatively, radiation given off by a black hole could be captured and then collapsed into a black hole, and the resulting black hole would be entangled with the black hole that supplied the ingredients for it.

Huffington Post

"Nepal will be entangled in complications," he says.

The Economist

Such correlated particles are said to be "entangled".

SEP

To enable that, it's generally thought that the qubits have to be entangled.

BBC

The states of the particles need not be entangled with each other.

SEP

Moreover, sex effects can be entangled with other environmental factors.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be entangled" when you want to express a possibility, not a certainty, of being involved in a complicated matter. The modal verb "could" adds a layer of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "could be entangled" when a simpler phrase like "could be associated with" or "might be connected to" would suffice. The phrase is best reserved for situations with genuine complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be entangled" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility. It indicates that something might be involved in a complex or complicated situation. Examples found by Ludwig illustrate usage in contexts ranging from legal matters to physics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be entangled" is a grammatically sound modal verb phrase indicating a possibility of involvement in a complex situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears primarily in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While not a highly frequent phrase, it serves a specific purpose in conveying uncertainty and complexity. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context warrants the implication of a complicated entanglement, as overuse in simpler associations should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be implicated

Focuses more directly on involvement in something, often negative.

may be caught up in

Suggests a less deliberate involvement; more accidental.

might become embroiled in

Emphasizes a contentious or difficult involvement.

could get mixed up in

Informal, suggests accidental or unintentional involvement.

could be associated with

Indicates a connection, which may or may not be problematic.

might be linked to

Suggests a connection, possibly causal, but not necessarily direct involvement.

may be tied to

Implies a strong connection or dependence.

could be connected with

General connection, lacking the complexity implied by "entangled".

might find themselves in

Focuses on the situation someone enters, rather than the entanglement itself.

may become a part of

Suggests integration into something, lacking the connotation of complexity or difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "could be entangled" to suggest a possibility of being involved in a complex or complicated situation. For example, "The two issues "could be entangled", making it difficult to address them separately."

What are some alternatives to "could be entangled"?

Alternatives include "might be implicated", "may be caught up in", or "might become embroiled in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "could be entangled" or "is entangled"?

"Could be entangled" suggests a possibility or uncertainty, while "is entangled" indicates a confirmed state. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of certainty you have about the situation.

What does "could be entangled" imply about the situation?

It implies that the situation is not only involved but also complex, with interconnected elements that may be difficult to separate or understand. It suggests a potential complication.