could be handled

USAGE SUMMARY

'could be handled' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest that a particular situation is able to be managed or taken care of, which can be attributed to skill, care, or effort. For example, "The situation was complex, but it could be handled with a little bit of extra effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I think a lot of things could be handled locally.

The Economist

When tax revenues were growing, that could be handled.

The Economist

Such a microbe could be handled only in special secure facilities.

The New York Times - Science

Drug testing could be handled by the nearly competent Dr. Nick Riviera.

The New York Times - Sports

If only all releases could be handled in so thrilling a fashion.

The New Yorker

"If it did happen, it could be handled on a case by case basis," he said.

The New York Times

"If he wants to be traded, it could be handled in a much more dignified way".

The New York Times - Sports

Some of the rules and regulations coming out of Brussels could be handled at national level".

The Guardian

But it appeared that the request could be handled expeditiously – perhaps before the election.

The Guardian

Traffic could be handled, and the city's image could be improved (in spite of Atlanta's bad press).

The New Yorker

Billing services and other clerical work done by outsiders could be handled by county employees, they say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be handled" to express the potential for a situation or task to be managed successfully with the right approach or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "could be handled" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted; opt for phrases like "will be handled" or "is being handled" to convey confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be handled" functions as a passive modal construction, indicating the possibility or potential for something to be managed, dealt with, or taken care of. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be handled" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential for managing or dealing with a situation effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability across diverse contexts. It's frequently found in news articles and scientific publications. While there is the possibility to use alternatives like "could be managed" or "could be addressed", it's important to maintain clarity and avoid overstating certainty by opting for stronger phrases when appropriate. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can confidently use "could be handled" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be managed

Focuses on the administration and control aspects, implying a structured approach.

could be addressed

Emphasizes directly tackling or resolving an issue.

could be dealt with

Suggests a process of handling or managing a situation or problem.

could be taken care of

Highlights the act of providing care or attention to resolve something.

could be resolved

Implies finding a solution to a problem or conflict.

could be controlled

Focuses on maintaining or regulating something to prevent unwanted outcomes.

could be rectified

Suggests correcting or fixing something that is wrong.

could be processed

Highlights the systematic handling of information or materials.

could be administered

Implies formal management or governance of something.

could be navigated

Focuses on skillfully guiding something through a complex situation.

FAQs

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

Use "could be handled" to indicate a possibility or potential for something to be managed or dealt with effectively. For instance, "The logistics of the event "could be handled" by a professional team".

What are some alternatives to "could be handled"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be managed", "could be addressed", or "could be dealt with", each offering a slightly different emphasis on how the situation is managed.

Is it appropriate to use "could be handled" in formal writing?

Yes, "could be handled" is suitable for formal writing as it maintains a professional and neutral tone, appropriate for various contexts like business reports, academic papers, and news articles.

What's the difference between "could be handled" and "can be handled"?

"Could be handled" implies a potential or conditional possibility, whereas "can be handled" suggests a present capability or feasibility. "Could" indicates a hypothetical situation, while "can" suggests a current ability.