could be examined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be examined" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a potential action or possibility of something being examined. Here are a few examples: 1. "The evidence could be examined more thoroughly to uncover new information." 2. "The proposal could be examined by the committee before a final decision is made." 3. "The effects of the new policy could be examined in a future study." 4. "The painting could be examined by experts to determine its authenticity." 5. "The situation could be examined from different perspectives to gain a better understanding of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was assessed in A&E, and given anaesthetic eye drops so I could be examined.

The Guardian

His brain, however, was removed before the cremation so that it could be examined by scientists.

The New York Times - Sports

It needed to thaw for a couple of days before it could be examined.

The New York Times - Sports

They could be examined in detail as if they had just washed up on the beach.

The Guardian

A loan deal could be examined, with the idea of bringing him back if the club win instant promotion.

The Guardian - Sport

The animals had to be sacrificed at the end of the experiment so their brains could be examined.

The New Yorker

But her sense that all human life could be examined by a few relationships in a village holds.

The Guardian - Books

Rich instead hopes the debate could be examined more neutrally – and scientifically – as an issue of "health and development".

The Guardian

And PEFC internal phenomenon, that is hardly measured experimentally, could be examined by using this model.

Journal of Power Sources

An aide to Mr. D'Amato said that the Senator's tax records could be examined in Washington or New York.

The New York Times

A cell synchronization protocol was established in which global and individual mRNA translational efficiencies could be examined.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be examined" when suggesting a possibility or potential action. It's less forceful than "should be examined" and implies a degree of optionality or contingency.

Common error

While "could be examined" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Consider rephrasing the sentence to use an active voice construction when appropriate to improve clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be examined" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for something to undergo examination. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be examined" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express the possibility of something undergoing examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While generally neutral to formal, its nuanced usage allows for suggesting potential actions without imposing obligation. When writing, remember to consider alternative phrases like "may be investigated" or "can be inspected" depending on the specific context and desired tone. Also, be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active voice constructions when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be investigated

Implies a more formal or thorough inquiry, potentially involving multiple steps.

might be analyzed

Focuses on breaking something down into its components for closer scrutiny.

is subject to analysis

Emphasizes the likelihood or requirement of analytical evaluation.

can be inspected

Suggests a straightforward visual or procedural check, less in-depth than "examined".

can undergo evaluation

Highlights the process of assessing or judging something's merit.

can be assessed

Focuses on evaluating the quality or value of something.

is open to review

Indicates that something is available for assessment or evaluation.

is liable to inspection

Suggests a potential obligation for something to be checked or audited.

is amenable to scrutiny

Highlights the suitability of something for careful and critical observation.

merits further study

Implies that something is worthy of additional, in-depth investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be examined" to suggest a possibility or potential action, as in "The data "could be examined" for patterns" or "The proposal "could be examined" by the committee".

What are some alternatives to "could be examined"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "may be investigated", "might be analyzed", or "can be inspected".

Is it better to use "could be examined" or "should be examined"?

"Could be examined" suggests a possibility or option, while "should be examined" implies a recommendation or obligation. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of emphasis.

What does "amenable to scrutiny" mean and how is it related to "could be examined"?

"Amenable to scrutiny" means something is suitable or receptive to careful and critical examination. It's related to "could be examined" because it describes a quality that makes something a good candidate for examination.