could be heightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be heightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for an increase or intensification of something, such as emotions, awareness, or experiences. Example: "The impact of the presentation could be heightened by incorporating more visual elements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But police officers were still on the street and said security could be heightened at any time.

The New York Times

Mr. Calvo said the result could be heightened tensions over currency and trade and pressure on emerging-market countries to curb the flow of capital into their economies.

The New York Times

It was disappointing that the designers didn't seem to believe that the impact of the clothes could be heightened by more ambitious presentation.

The New York Times

The FCO recommended particular vigilance during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ends on 8 August, when "tensions could be heightened".

The Guardian

He said tensions could be heightened if North Korea tested a longer-range missile capable of hitting Japan or the US territory of Guam.

The Guardian

It has not reached the intensity of 1992, but scholars say these cultural divisions could be heightened by a tough, close election.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It could just be heightened awareness among hyper-parents, ever attuned to their children's most minuscule slight.

The New York Times

But chirpy pop-soul is just the tip of this particular iceberg: just what "McDonald's moment" (them again), could possibly be heightened by subjecting patrons to Little By Little, a wretched Oasis ballad that hasn't been aired outside Peggy Gallagher's kitchen in the last 10 years?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Without a U.S. military presence in Northeast Asia, Japan's security fears would be heightened, which could lead to rapid growth in Japanese military spending or even Japan going nuclear.

Huffington Post

Contradiction will be heightened.

Huffington Post

My awareness would be heightened.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be heightened" to express a potential or conditional increase, rather than a definite one. This adds a layer of nuance and avoids making absolute statements.

Common error

Avoid using "could be heightened" without specifying what the subject is. Instead of saying "Tensions could be heightened", clarify what kind of tensions and in what situation they could be heightened.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be heightened" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential or conditional increase in something. It suggests that a particular state or condition has the possibility of becoming more intense or elevated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be heightened" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the possibility of an increase or intensification. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and valid expression. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined and the context indicates a potential rather than a definite increase. Alternatives such as "might be intensified" or "may be amplified" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. By paying attention to these nuances, you can effectively use the phrase "could be heightened" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be intensified

Similar to heightened, but emphasizes the process of becoming more intense.

might be intensified

Suggests a possible strengthening or deepening, similar to heightened, but may imply a more gradual change.

may be amplified

Implies an increase in amplitude or intensity, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

could be increased

A more direct and general term for making something larger or more significant.

might be augmented

Suggests adding to something to enhance it, implying an improvement in quality or effectiveness.

can be exacerbated

Focuses on the potential for something negative to become worse or more severe.

may be elevated

Suggests a rise to a higher level or position, often used for abstract concepts like mood or status.

might be magnified

Implies making something appear larger or more significant, often used metaphorically.

may be escalated

Suggests a rapid increase or intensification, often used in the context of conflict or danger.

can be sharpened

Implies making something clearer, more focused, or more effective.

FAQs

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

Use "could be heightened" to indicate a potential increase or intensification of something. For example, "Awareness of the issue "could be heightened" through public campaigns".

What are some alternatives to using "could be heightened"?

Alternatives include "might be intensified", "may be amplified", or "could be increased", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "could be heighten" instead of "could be heightened"?

No, "could be heighten" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "could be heightened", using the past participle of the verb 'heighten'.

What is the difference between "could be heightened" and "is heightened"?

"Could be heightened" indicates a possibility or potential for something to increase, while "is heightened" states that something is currently increased. For example, "Security "could be heightened"" suggests a potential change, while "Security is heightened" indicates a current state.