could be illustrated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be illustrated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing examples or explanations that can be visually represented or demonstrated. Example: "The concept of gravity could be illustrated through various experiments and visual aids."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Those skills could be illustrated in an impressive arrest record, for example, or a display of stellar driving.

The New York Times

It could be illustrated with rainbows and psychedelic unicorns and stuck on the door of your toilet.

The Guardian

Clair-De-Lune taught me to speak, it taught me that the thoughts in my head could be illustrated just as vividly when I spoke and told them to people as they appeared on paper.

The Guardian

Musculature remained of special interest, but now it could be illustrated through wax or plaster models of ecorches -- flayed or skinned bodies -- that were cast from the corpses of executed criminals.

The New York Times - Arts

And like all the best car designs it could be illustrated with one sleek line from its raised rear and spoiler (which pops up at speed) to its flared wheel arches and aggressive front end.

Independent

When the average high-profile job demands 50-plus hours a week, and kindergarten barely covers 15 (and only for nine months of the year), the conflict is clear, and it's a conflict that could be illustrated with dozens of other examples.

The New York Times

The semantic feature bundles of Increment could be illustrated by.

Lingua Sinica

A continuous change from paraequilibrium to quasi-paraconditions could be illustrated in the phase diagram.

Acta Materialia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

If I could be illustrating creatures all day long every day for the rest of my life, I would be very happy.

The Guardian - Film

In the Atacama Desert a sub-aerial species of Dunaliella using the condensation of water on spider webs in the walls of a coastal cave could be illustrate one of the first strategies in land colonization by plants (Azúa-Bustos et al. 2010).

International Aquatic Research

The classic story ballets, like Swan Lake and Giselle, used detailed mime to explain whatever couldn't be illustrated through dancing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be illustrated", consider including the specific method of illustration. For example, "The concept could be illustrated with a graph" is more informative than simply, "The concept could be illustrated."

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice, including phrases like "could be illustrated", can make your writing sound indirect or weak. Consider using the active voice where appropriate for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be illustrated" functions as a modal auxiliary construction indicating a possibility. It serves to suggest that a concept or idea is capable of being clarified or demonstrated through the use of examples or visual aids. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be illustrated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to suggest the potential for visual or demonstrative clarification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from scientific publications to news articles. While "could be illustrated" functions effectively, consider alternatives like "can be demonstrated" or "may be exemplified" for nuanced expression. To ensure clarity in writing, always indicate the method of illustration when using this phrase. While common, avoid overuse of the passive voice for more impactful communication. The frequent use of "could be illustrated" across Science and News & Media demonstrates its relevance in conveying complex information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be demonstrated

This alternative focuses on the act of showing something clearly through evidence.

may be exemplified

This suggests the use of a specific instance or example to showcase a broader concept.

might be depicted

This emphasizes a visual representation or portrayal of something.

can be showcased

This highlights the opportunity to present something in an attractive or favorable way.

might be evidenced

This focuses on providing proof or indication of something.

can be portrayed

This suggests a representation, often artistic or descriptive, of something.

may be highlighted

This emphasizes drawing attention to specific aspects or features.

can be clarified

This stresses the act of making something clearer and easier to understand.

might be represented

This focuses on symbolizing or standing for something else.

can be explained

This highlights the possibility of making something understandable through detailed description.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be illustrated" to suggest that a concept or idea can be made clearer through examples, diagrams, or other visual aids. For instance, "The benefits of exercise "could be illustrated" with statistics on improved health outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "could be illustrated"?

Alternatives include "can be demonstrated", "may be exemplified", or "might be depicted". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could be illustrated" or "can be illustrated"?

"Could" implies a possibility or suggestion, while "can" suggests a greater degree of certainty or ability. Use "could be illustrated" when you want to indicate that something is possible or advisable to illustrate, but not necessarily a guaranteed method. Use "can be illustrated" when you know there are definite illustrations available.

What's the difference between "could be illustrated" and "should be illustrated"?

"Could be illustrated" means it's possible or helpful to illustrate something. "Should be illustrated" implies that it is necessary or highly recommended to illustrate something for clarity or understanding. The latter carries a stronger sense of obligation or importance.