could be exempted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be exempted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone or something being excluded from a rule, requirement, or obligation. Example: "Certain individuals could be exempted from the new tax regulations based on their income level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Small boats could be exempted, to protect pretty little harbours.

The Economist

Some groups, such as workers on company transfers and students, could be exempted from the target.

The Economist

But Latief reported back that he was neutral and could be exempted from assassination.

The Guardian

People could be exempted from the tax "in cases of hardship".

The New York Times - Health

Perhaps, the state asked, those families hardest to employ could be exempted from the work requirements for six months while officials worked with them to stabilize their households.

The New York Times

The Europeans have said that airlines could be exempted from the system if they proposed equivalent emissions-reducing measures at home; these might include using cleaner fuels.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Those customers could be exempt from the new structure, but new exemptions were prohibited, according to the agreement.

The New York Times

However, the language requirement did allow for certain exemptions so that persons suffering from mental or physical illnesses could be exempt on the basis of a medical certificate.

Comparative Migration Studies

There is a chance that the trade could be exempt under Volcker.

The New York Times

He said that biodegradable bags could be exempt from the new 5p tax on plastic bags.

The Guardian

For example, Mr. Breaux said, low-income people could be exempt from increases in premiums resulting from competition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be exempted", clearly state the condition or reason for the potential exemption to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "could be exempted" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use the active voice where appropriate to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be exempted" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of being released from an obligation or requirement. It uses the modal verb 'could' to express possibility and 'be exempted' in the passive voice to show that the subject receives the action of being exempted, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be exempted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a potential exclusion from a rule or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Its usage is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, remember to clearly specify the conditions for the exemption to ensure clarity. While acceptable, be mindful of passive voice overuse, as it can sometimes weaken your writing. Alternatives like "may be excused" or "might be excluded" can offer stylistic variation. Remember that "could" suggests a conditional possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be excused

Replaces "exempted" with "excused", implying a formal release from obligation.

might be excluded

Uses "excluded" instead of "exempted", suggesting a broader sense of being left out.

can be released

Emphasizes the act of being freed from a requirement.

are eligible for exclusion

Highlights the eligibility aspect of being excluded.

qualify for an exemption

Focuses on meeting the criteria for receiving an exemption.

are not subject to

Indicates that the rule or obligation does not apply.

are free from

Suggests a state of being unburdened by the requirement.

need not comply with

Stresses the lack of necessity to follow the rule.

are dispensed from

Uses a more formal term, "dispensed", to indicate release from obligation.

fall outside the scope of

Indicates that something does not apply because it's not within the boundaries of a rule.

FAQs

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

Use "could be exempted" to indicate a possibility of someone or something being excluded from a particular rule or requirement. For example, "Small businesses "could be exempted" from the new regulations".

What's the difference between "could be exempted" and "may be exempted"?

Both phrases express a possibility, but "could be exempted" often suggests a conditional possibility, while "may be exempted" indicates a more general permission or likelihood.

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

You can use alternatives like "might be excluded", "may be excused", or "are eligible for exclusion depending on the context.

In what contexts is "could be exempted" commonly used?

"Could be exempted" is frequently used in legal, regulatory, and policy discussions, as well as in scientific research, to describe potential exceptions or exclusions. These contexts are reflected in the examples provided by Ludwig.