could be followed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be followed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something may come after or be succeeded by another thing, often in a conditional context. Example: "The initial guidelines could be followed by additional instructions as needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This winter could be followed by a turbulent period.

The New York Times

Vanishing lines could be followed by blurred lines.

The Guardian - Business

This could be followed by some watchkeeping and navigation duties.

The Economist

I don't think they could be followed anymore".

The New York Times

An increase this month could be followed by a decline the next.

The Guardian - Opinion

This could be followed by precision bombing strikes involving RAF Tornado jets.

The Guardian

Disquisitions on Aristotle could be followed by an emoji mocking the latest outraged responses to Trump.

The Guardian

The tone could be followed, like a thread through a labyrinth, back to his childhood.

The New Yorker

The relaunch could be followed later by a new consumer version.

The Guardian - Tech

Analysts said that the deal could be followed by other bids for American steel companies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One coalition could be followed by another.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be followed" to suggest a possible sequence of events or actions, indicating that one event may occur after another. Be clear about the conditions that would lead to the subsequent event.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "could be followed". Ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the initial action and the potential outcome to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be followed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility in the passive voice. It indicates that a particular action or event is potentially succeeded by another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be followed" is a versatile phrase used to express a potential sequence or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It's frequently found in both scientific and news contexts, suggesting its suitability for formal and neutral communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying both the initial action and the potential outcome. While alternatives exist, such as "might be succeeded by" or "may be accompanied by", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overusing passive voice should be avoided to maintain clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be succeeded by

Replaces "could" with "might" and uses "succeeded by" for a slightly more formal tone.

may be accompanied by

Focuses on simultaneous occurrence rather than direct succession; implies a correlated event.

can be ensued by

Uses "ensued by" to emphasize a consequential relationship, suggesting a natural progression.

is potentially followed by

Adds "potentially" to explicitly highlight the uncertainty of the sequence.

is liable to be succeeded by

Implies a probability or tendency for the second event to occur after the first.

is likely to be followed by

Emphasizes the high probability of the second event occurring.

could result in

Shifts the focus to the outcome or consequence of the initial action.

could give rise to

Suggests that the first event creates the conditions for the second event to occur.

might lead to

Implies a causal relationship where the first event influences the occurrence of the second.

can trigger

Indicates that the first event directly initiates or activates the second event.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be followed" indicates a potential sequence of events. For example, "The initial presentation "could be followed" by a Q&A session" suggests a possible order of events.

What are some alternatives to "could be followed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might be succeeded by", "may be accompanied by", or "can result in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what "could be followed"?

Clarity is key. While not always grammatically required, specifying what follows enhances understanding. For instance, instead of "Further action "could be followed"", specify "Further action "could be followed" by legal proceedings".

What is the difference between "could be followed by" and "might be followed by"?

Both suggest possibility, but "could" implies a general potential, whereas "might" suggests a slightly lower probability or a more conditional scenario. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.