could be felt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be felt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sensation or emotion that is experienced or perceived by someone. Example: "The tension in the room was so thick that it could be felt by everyone present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The law's biggest impact, though, could be felt elsewhere.

The Economist

A light drizzle could be felt, then heard, then seen.

The New York Times

Now Prince Charles's architectural influence could be felt across Britain.

Independent

The shock waves could be felt in Charlottesville.

The New Yorker

Its effects could be felt in Great Yarmouth.

The Guardian - Books

Deep implications could be felt in the Palestinian territories themselves.

The Guardian

These early influences could be felt throughout his career.

The Guardian

The explosion could be felt 30 miles away.

The Guardian

The effects could be felt first in the debate over how to reform financial regulations.

The New York Times

But if its optimism proves justified, the impact could be felt across the economy.

The New York Times - Tech

The thud of a distant mortar shell could be felt faintly through the floor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be felt" to describe sensations, emotions, or impacts that are widely or easily perceived. For example, "The tension in the room "could be felt" by everyone present."

Common error

Avoid using "could be felt" when an active voice construction is more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of "The earthquake "could be felt"", consider "People felt the earthquake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be felt" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the potential for something to be perceived or experienced. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing physical sensations, emotional states, and impacts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be felt" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the potential for perception or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys the widespread impact or awareness of various events, emotions, or changes. When writing, consider alternatives like "could be sensed" or "was palpable" for subtle variations in meaning, and ensure it is used in passive voice constructions where the emphasis is on the experience rather than the actor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be sensed

Focuses on the ability to perceive something, often subtly.

could be perceived

Highlights the act of becoming aware of something through the senses or understanding.

was palpable

Indicates that something is so intense it feels almost tangible.

could be noticed

Emphasizes that something is easily observed or detected.

could be experienced

Focuses on the personal encounter or undergoing of a sensation or event.

could be detected

Highlights the ability to discover or identify something, often through careful observation.

had an impact

Shifts the focus to the effect or influence something has on a situation or person.

left its mark

Implies a lasting or significant effect.

was evident

Indicates that something is clear and easily seen or understood.

could be ascertained

Highlights the ability to find something out for certain.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be felt" is used to describe something that is perceptible or noticeable. For example, "The impact of the decision "could be felt" throughout the company".

What are some alternatives to "could be felt"?

You can use alternatives such as "could be sensed", "was palpable", or "could be perceived" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could be felt" or "was felt"?

"Could be felt" implies a potential or general perception, while "was felt" indicates a definite, past experience. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "could be felt" and "could be seen"?

"Could be felt" refers to something perceptible through physical or emotional sensation, while "could be seen" refers to something that is visually apparent. The choice depends on the sense you are describing.