could be given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are suggesting a possible outcome. For example, "If she studies hard, she could be given a scholarship for college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In short, I was shown how amazing human beings could be, given half a chance.

The Guardian - Opinion

No assurance could be given".

The Guardian - Sport

He could be given his head here.

The Guardian - Sport

Israel could be given outside guarantees.

The Washington Post

Exactly; no better description of him could be given.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The water-soluble version could be given in higher doses.

The New Yorker

It was the best present he could be given.

The Guardian

Not that it could be, given its owners' hospitable bent.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You could be given a script on Friday.

The Guardian - Film

Everyone could be given a pocket torch and light themselves".

The New York Times

That means they could be given at annual checkups.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be given", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is capable of giving and who or what is receiving. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

While "could be given" is grammatically sound, overusing passive voice can make your writing seem weak or indirect. Consider whether an active voice construction would be more impactful and clear. For instance, instead of "The award could be given to her", you might write "The committee could give her the award".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be given" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating possibility or potential. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as suggesting potential outcomes or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be given" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express possibility or potential actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable construction in written English. Its frequency is high across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. To enhance clarity, ensure the context specifies who is giving and receiving. While useful, avoid overusing passive voice to maintain strong, direct writing. Alternative phrases such as "might be provided" or "may be granted" can offer subtle variations in meaning. The phrase's broad applicability makes it a valuable tool for expressing conditional outcomes or possibilities in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be provided

Replaces "could" with "might" suggesting a slightly lower probability of the action occurring and "given" with "provided" a synonym with very slight meaning difference.

may be granted

Substitutes "could" with "may", which indicates possibility, and "given" with "granted", implying a formal or official bestowal.

can be offered

Replaces "could" with "can", indicating capability or permission, and "given" with "offered", suggesting a willingness to provide something.

is able to be supplied

Changes "could be" to "is able to be", emphasizing the ability to supply, and replaces "given" with "supplied", a more formal term.

is eligible to be awarded

Indicates that something or someone meets the requirements to receive an award.

is subject to being presented

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes that something is going to be shown or introduced.

has the potential to be furnished

This variation is more descriptive and highlights that something or someone has probability to provide.

is liable to be transferred

Emphasizes the potential legal or formal transfer of something from one entity to another.

is in a position to be dispensed

Suggests readiness or availability for distribution, often used in a formal or official context.

is apt to be conveyed

This suggests that something will be communicated in some form, with less directness.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be given" to express possibility or potential. For example: "If the project is successful, additional funding "could be given" to the team".

What are some alternatives to "could be given"?

Some alternatives to "could be given" include "might be provided", "may be granted", or "can be offered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be given" formal or informal?

"Could be given" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall context of the sentence.

What's the difference between "could be given" and "should be given"?

"Could be given" suggests a possibility or potential, whereas "should be given" implies a recommendation or obligation. For example: "An award "could be given" if the criteria are met", versus "An award "should be given" to recognize exceptional performance".