could be grabbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be grabbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is available to be taken or seized, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The opportunity for advancement could be grabbed by anyone willing to put in the effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Hot food went next, and chow time became whenever rations could be grabbed.

The New York Times

So there was not much money that could be grabbed there.

The New York Times

The low-hanging fruit could be grabbed not only by hostile raiders but also by private equity firms.

The New York Times

But if they entered the waters of a coalition member, they could be grabbed under a variety of national laws.

The New York Times

Mugs of traditional Butterbeer could be grabbed from the backlot cafe, with a selection of yummy puddings served next to the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 and ¾.

Independent

Even so, citizens in the rest of the euro zone now know that if push comes to shove, their insured deposits could be grabbed too.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The company has repeatedly claimed on earnings calls that it's not seeing significant reductions in engagement from teens, but it admits that mobile-first social networks like Snapchat could be grabbing eyeballs Facebook would have gotten otherwise.

TechCrunch

There's also the sense that the next big thing could be grabbing a taco at the same joint as you.

Los Angeles Times

Nor could lunches be grabbed haphazardly.

The New York Times - Arts

Ironworkers with torches cut the projectiles into small pieces, so that the chunks of steel -- an estimated 200 tons in all -- could then be grabbed by cranes.

The New York Times

The tray had an extension (10 cm × 20 cm × 6 cm) with a handle that could be easily grabbed The subjects spontaneously approached, grabbed, pulled, and played with the tray for several minutes.

Animal Cognition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be grabbed" to indicate a potential action or opportunity, particularly when emphasizing ease or availability. For instance, "Market share could be grabbed by offering innovative solutions."

Common error

Avoid using "could be grabbed" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be appropriate. Instead, consider alternatives like "could be obtained" or "might be acquired".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be grabbed" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that an action (grabbing) is feasible or likely under certain conditions. The Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be grabbed" is a versatile modal verb phrase indicating the potential for something to be taken or acquired. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and high frequency, especially in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it may be less suitable for highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "might be seized" or "could be captured" for nuanced meaning. Understanding its function and context helps ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be seized

Emphasizes a more formal or forceful taking of something.

can be taken

Suggests a general possibility of being taken, less forceful than "seized".

could be captured

Implies gaining control or possession, often in a strategic sense.

might be obtained

Focuses on the possibility of acquiring something through effort or chance.

can be accessed

Highlights the availability and ease of reaching or using something.

could be attained

Suggests achievement or accomplishment in acquiring something.

may be procured

Implies a more formal or official process of obtaining something.

might be secured

Focuses on making something safe and certain to be obtained.

can be appropriated

Indicates taking something for one's own use, sometimes without permission.

could be requisitioned

Implies a formal demand or request for something, often by an authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be grabbed" to express that something is easily attainable or can be quickly taken. For example: "The opportunity for a promotion "could be grabbed" by any employee who demonstrates leadership."

What are some alternatives to "could be grabbed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might be seized", "can be taken", or "could be captured", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be grabbed" appropriate for formal writing?

While "could be grabbed" is grammatically correct, it might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "might be obtained" or "may be procured" in such cases.

What does "could be grabbed" imply?

"Could be grabbed" typically implies that something is readily available or easily obtainable, often suggesting a sense of opportunity or potential acquisition. The meaning depends heavily on the context of use.