could be gotten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be gotten" is correct and usable in written English, though it may sound somewhat awkward or informal.
You can use it when discussing the potential acquisition or retrieval of something in a hypothetical context. Example: "The information could be gotten from the archives if needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"If there was a certification or a license that could be gotten, they'd get it".

The New York Times

"I wish such T-cell data could be gotten in rural Africa," Dr. Quinn said.

The New York Times

"They called Princeton University security so medical attention could be gotten.

The New York Times

"There's no trophy, no glory and no aftereffect that could be gotten by a win, in my opinion".

The New York Times - Sports

I think at the time the sort of consensus was that the stimulus was as big as could be gotten through Congress.

The New Yorker

Around 8 terawatts could be gotten from nuclear power if you built a new billion-watt plant every 1.6 days until 2050.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"But borrowers could be getting them cheaper".

The New York Times

"Rocchi got everything wrong that could be got wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

Downtown Berkeley could be getting a major makeover.

The New York Times

Now that law could be getting a high-profile test.

The New York Times

These kids could be getting master's degrees by the time they're done".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve readability, rephrase sentences using active voice where possible. For example, instead of "Information could be gotten from the archives," try "We could get information from the archives."

Common error

Avoid using "could be gotten" excessively in academic or professional documents. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound less polished. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives such as "could be obtained", "might be acquired", or "can be accessed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be gotten" functions as a modal verb construction indicating possibility or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though it notes a less formal tone compared to alternatives. It suggests that something is capable of being obtained or acquired.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be gotten" is a grammatically correct way to express the possibility of obtaining something, as supported by Ludwig AI. While usable across various contexts, it's generally considered less formal. For more polished writing, especially in academic or professional settings, consider using alternatives such as "could be obtained" or "might be acquired". To enhance readability, try rephrasing sentences with active voice. This approach not only refines your style but also maintains clarity and professionalism in your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be obtained

Replaces "gotten" with a more formal synonym, "obtained".

might be obtained

Uses "might" to express a slightly weaker possibility than "could".

could be acquired

Uses "acquired" to suggest gaining possession of something.

could be received

Emphasizes the act of receiving something.

may be acquired

Similar to "might be obtained", indicating a potential acquisition.

could be attained

Highlights the achievement of reaching a desired outcome.

can be obtained

Uses "can" to denote the ability or possibility of obtaining.

could be secured

Focuses on the effort to ensure possession or access.

could be accessed

Highlights the ability to gain entry or use of something.

is obtainable

Changes the structure to an adjective, emphasizing the characteristic of being able to be obtained.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "could be gotten"?

You can use alternatives like "could be obtained", "might be acquired", or "can be accessed depending on the context.

Is "could be gotten" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could be gotten" is grammatically correct, but it's considered less formal and sometimes less elegant than alternatives such as "could be obtained".

In what contexts is "could be gotten" appropriate?

"Could be gotten" is suitable for informal conversations or general writing. For formal or academic writing, it's best to use more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

How can I improve my writing by avoiding overuse of "could be gotten"?

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "could be acquired", "could be received", or restructuring your sentences to use active voice.