could be heard

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be heard" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when referring to a sound from an auditory source. For example, "The sounds of children laughing in the park could be heard from the nearby street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whispered gasps could be heard.

The New Yorker

Heavy explosions could be heard.

The New York Times

Birds could be heard, too.

The New York Times

Cheers could be heard.

The New York Times

Only shouts and yells could be heard.

The New York Times

Artillery blasts could be heard all day.

The New York Times

Not a single boo could be heard.

The New York Times - Sports

Sounds of sex could be heard.

The New York Times

Shooting could be heard in the background.

The New York Times

"Honey!" they could be heard cooing.

The New York Times

Gunfire could be heard all around.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be heard" to create a sense of passive listening or when the source of the sound is less important than the fact that it was audible.

Common error

Avoid using "could be heard" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The music could be heard by everyone", consider "Everyone heard the music".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be heard" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a sound was received or detected by someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this as a standard and usable English construction, frequently found in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be heard" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the audibility of something in the past. Ludwig AI validates it as proper English, often found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider whether an active voice might be more impactful in certain situations. Alternatives like "was audible" or "could be sensed" offer similar meanings, but may subtly alter the emphasis. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively employ "could be heard" to create vivid and descriptive passages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was audible

Replaces "could be" with "was", indicating a simple past tense of being heard.

is perceived

Present tense, passive voice, indicating ongoing or general audibility.

was perceptible

Highlights the clarity or noticeability of the sound.

could be sensed

Expands beyond auditory to include other senses, implying a general awareness.

was discerned

Emphasizes the act of distinguishing the sound from background noise.

was detected

Implies a more technical or scientific observation of sound.

reached one's ears

More descriptive and literary, focusing on the sound's arrival at the listener.

managed to hear

Indicates a degree of effort or chance in hearing the sound.

came to one's attention

Shifts focus to the sound's impact on awareness, rather than just audibility.

sounded out

More active; implies making an active listening to recognize the sound

FAQs

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

"Could be heard" is used to describe something that was audible. For example, "The cheering "could be heard" from the stadium".

What can I say instead of "could be heard"?

You can use alternatives like "was audible", "was perceptible", or "could be sensed" depending on the context.

Is "could be heard" formal or informal?

"Could be heard" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Which is correct, "could be heard" or "can be heard"?

"Could be heard" refers to something that was audible in the past, while "can be heard" refers to something that is currently audible. Choose the phrase that matches the timing of the situation you are describing.