could be existed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be existed" is not correct in English.
The correct form would be "could exist" or "could have existed," depending on the context. Example: "In theory, a creature from the depths of the ocean could exist that we have yet to discover."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Suppose that it could be existed as many Lagrangian as the number of Hamiltonian.

Advances in Difference Equations

We can suggest that the formation of nanoholes on the rubrene NPs might be due to the aggregation of the pristine NPs during the hydrothermal process, in which the empty spaces between the NPs could be existed and induced the nanoholes [30].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the time that they were aware that a problem could have existed, that's when it should have happened.

The New York Times

It could have been that: David exists and Lumpl exists but 'David ≠ Lumpl' is true.

SEP

Nevertheless, some differences could have existed that were not detected.

Critical Care

After decades of suppression, the notion that different opinions could co-exist is profoundly radical.

The New York Times

Malebranche argued that the only being in which such ideas could exist is God.

SEP

One thing the Catholic Church could do is to exist more like they do in the parallel universe I described.

Huffington Post

The whole embarrassing situation could have been avoided if Pinterest existed then.

The New York Times - Magazine

Look at the things that we could've been done if this existed earlier.

Huffington Post

Where these and other factors that nurture life could exist, isn't it probable, even likely, that some sentient beings would emerge from their version of nutritious ooze?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct grammatical form, which is "could exist" or "could have existed", depending on the intended tense and meaning. Using "could be existed" introduces grammatical errors and confuses the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "could be existed" because it incorrectly combines a modal verb with a passive construction. The correct form utilizes the active voice: "could exist".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be existed" attempts to express possibility combined with existence. However, it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI highlights that the accurate form is either "could exist" or "could have existed", depending on the intended timeframe.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be existed" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI points out, the accurate alternatives are "could exist" (present or future possibility) or "could have existed" (past possibility). While the phrase appears in a variety of sources, including some news and scientific contexts, this seems to be due to errors rather than accepted usage. Always strive for grammatical accuracy to clearly convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could exist

This is the grammatically correct form, expressing a present or future possibility of existence.

could have existed

This expresses a past possibility of existence.

might exist

Similar to "could exist", indicating a possibility.

may exist

Another way to express possibility of existence, slightly more formal than "might exist".

potentially exist

Emphasizes the potential for existence.

possibly exist

Similar to "potentially exist", indicating a chance of existing.

could potentially exist

Combines "could" and "potentially" for emphasis.

it is possible that it exists

A more verbose way to express the possibility of existence.

it is conceivable that it exists

Suggests that existence is within the realm of possibility or imagination.

it is imaginable that it exists

Similar to "conceivable", but focuses on the ability to imagine its existence.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say something might exist?

The correct ways to express that something might exist are to use "could exist", "might exist", or "may exist". The phrase "could be existed" is grammatically incorrect.

Is "could be existed" grammatically correct?

No, "could be existed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "could exist" for present or future possibility, or "could have existed" for past possibility.

What alternatives can I use instead of "could be existed"?

You can use alternatives such as "could exist", "might exist", "may exist", or "potentially exist" depending on the context you want to express.

What's the difference between "could exist" and "could have existed"?

"Could exist" refers to a present or future possibility, while "could have existed" refers to a possibility in the past.