could be imminent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be imminent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is likely to happen very soon or is approaching quickly. Example: "The storm could be imminent, so we should prepare for possible power outages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Another fine could be imminent.

The New York Times - Sports

A boom in similar live-music services could be imminent.

The New York Times

Yesterday, both companies indicated that further sales could be imminent.

The Guardian - Business

On Tuesday evening, a 30-minute tremor prompted warnings that a massive eruption could be imminent.

The Washington Post

Like a search on Milo, a RedLaser scan tells eBay that a purchase could be imminent.

MIT Technology Review

Prague recently joined that club, fearing a serious accident could be imminent.

The Guardian

In fact, some analysts believe that new ARM's with less downside risk could be imminent.

The New York Times

Industry bodies expressed concern that spending cuts in the defence budget could be imminent.

The Guardian - Business

But risks were high, as Carter's test results revealed pulmonary hypertension, and other complications could be imminent.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Saudi tanks were also seen mobilizing toward the Yemeni border, heightening fear that a ground invasion could be imminent.

Los Angeles Times

With Steinbrenner in town for the playoffs, an extension could be imminent...

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be imminent" when you want to convey a sense of potential urgency or anticipation. It's suitable for situations where something is not certain but highly probable in the near future.

Common error

Avoid using "could be imminent" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler phrases like "is about to happen" or "is coming soon" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be imminent" functions as a modal phrase indicating a possibility or likelihood that something will happen very soon. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, where it modifies nouns like "eruption", "war", or "deal".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be imminent" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is likely to happen soon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly formal settings and less appropriate for very casual conversations. Alternatives like "is about to happen" or "is coming soon" may be preferable in informal contexts. When using "could be imminent", ensure that you're conveying a sense of possibility rather than absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is about to happen

Suggests something will occur very shortly, a more direct and simple alternative.

may be approaching

Emphasizes the possibility of something coming closer, similar to "could be imminent" but slightly less urgent.

is on the verge of occurring

Implies that something is at the point of happening, more emphatic.

is rapidly approaching

Emphasizes the speed at which something is coming, more dramatic than "could be imminent".

might be expected soon

Suggests something is anticipated to occur in the near future, similar level of formality.

is close at hand

Indicates that something is near in time or space, similar in formality.

is on the horizon

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate that something is likely to happen soon, less direct.

will likely transpire shortly

A more formal and somewhat verbose way of saying something will happen soon.

is just around the corner

Indicates something is very close in time, more informal than "could be imminent".

is in the offing

A more formal and less common way of saying something is likely to happen soon.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be imminent" to describe an event or situation that is likely to happen soon. For example, "The storm "could be imminent", so we should take shelter".

What are some alternatives to "could be imminent"?

Alternatives include "is about to happen", "is coming soon", or "is on the horizon", depending on the context.

Is "could be imminent" formal or informal?

"Could be imminent" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal and is suitable for news reports, formal writing, and professional communication. For very informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable.

Which is correct, "could be imminent" or "will be imminent"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Could be imminent" suggests a possibility or likelihood, while "will be imminent" implies a greater degree of certainty. "Could be imminent" is suitable when the event is not guaranteed but highly probable.