could be finished

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be finished" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used when reference is being made to something that has not yet been completed, but could be soon. For example: "The construction project has been ongoing for months, but it could be finished soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Construction could be finished in several weeks.

The New York Times

The whole determination could be finished in 1.25 h.

Food Chemistry

That report could be finished before Mr. Mueller's investigation.

The New York Times

"I could be finished here in a month.

The New York Times

Construction could be finished by February, Ms. Kor said.

The New York Times

Consequently, the project could be finished after a short period of time.

Procedia Engineering

Regeneration and reassembling of chip could be finished in 50 s.

Microchemical Journal

"If the wrong people come into power in Bihar, you could be finished," he said.

The New York Times

Ms. McGill said officials hoped the repair could be finished by Friday morning.

The New York Times

They say the job could be finished in a few months.

The Economist

Before the project could be finished, Mr. Trump had taken control of Resorts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be finished" when expressing a possibility or expectation of completion within a reasonable timeframe. It's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple modal verbs. For instance, instead of saying "It could be being finished soon", opt for the simpler and more direct "It could be finished soon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be finished" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. Ludwig examples demonstrate it's used to express that something may reach completion, but it is not yet a certainty. The modal verb "could" modifies the passive verb phrase "be finished" to convey this sense of contingency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be finished" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility or potential for something to be completed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently found in diverse contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media and Science. It's important to note that the phrase conveys uncertainty, making it distinct from phrases like "will be finished", which denote a higher level of certainty. When using "could be finished", avoid overuse of modal verbs and choose the most direct and clear construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be completed

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability of completion.

may be concluded

Uses "may" and "concluded" suggesting a more formal or definite ending.

could be finalized

Emphasizes the finality of the process, suggesting all steps are completed.

might reach completion

Focuses on the act of reaching the end point or finished state.

could draw to a close

Implies a gradual ending, often used for events or periods of time.

may come to an end

A more general expression for something ceasing or terminating.

could be wrapped up

Suggests a neat and tidy conclusion, often used informally.

might be terminated

A more formal term for ending something, often used in official contexts.

may be brought to fruition

Emphasizes the successful completion and realization of something.

could see its end

Focuses on the visibility or anticipation of the ending.

FAQs

What does "could be finished" mean?

The phrase "could be finished" indicates that something has the potential to be completed, but it is not yet certain. It implies a possibility rather than a definite outcome.

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

You can use "could be finished" to describe the prospective completion of a task, project, or event. For example: "The project "could be completed" by next week."

What are some alternatives to "could be finished"?

Some alternatives include "might be completed", "may be concluded", or "could be finalized", depending on the desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "could be finished" and "will be finished"?

"Could be finished" suggests a possibility or a conditional outcome, whereas "will be finished" indicates a definite plan or expectation. For example, "The renovation "could be finished" by June" is less certain than "The renovation will be finished by June."