could be implicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be implicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone or something being involved in a situation, often in a legal or investigative context. Example: "The evidence suggests that several individuals could be implicated in the fraud case."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People were really concerned about the safety implications, worried that they could be implicated on conspiracy charges.

The Guardian

More skating officials could be implicated, said Claire Ferguson, an I.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

Changes induced in goblet cell populations and mucin glycosylation could be implicated in resistance to infection.

Nature

yr B.P., suggest that human activities could be implicated in the E. arborea forest opening.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

These observations suggest that other biohydrogenation intermediates could be implicated in MFD.

Journal of Dairy Science

We also suggest specific splicing events that could be implicated in autoregulatory feedback loops in RBM39, HNRNPM, and U2AF2 genes.

Harvard University

Many factors, including sparse population and isolation, the Dalai Lama said, could be implicated in marriage practices in Tibet.

Stanford University

Kafka's life was a continuing judgment against himself, and now he had someone who could be implicated along with him.

The Guardian - Books

Instead, Mr. Ashcroft urged federal agencies to consider "the institutional, commercial and privacy interests that could be implicated by disclosure".

The New York Times

Indeed, several mechanisms could be implicated including the interaction with α-adrenoceptors or inhibition of sympathetic outflow.

European Journal of Pharmacology

The secretome of Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 17978 type II secretion system reveals a novel plasmid encoded phospholipase that could be implicated in lung colonization.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be implicated" when you want to suggest a possibility of involvement without making a definitive statement. This is particularly useful in legal, investigative, or scientific contexts where certainty is lacking.

Common error

Avoid using "could be implicated" when stronger evidence suggests direct involvement. Opt for phrases like "is involved" or "played a role" when the context warrants a more assertive claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be implicated" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or potential involvement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in various contexts. The modal verb 'could' indicates a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

35%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be implicated" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to suggest possible involvement in a situation, often with legal or investigative undertones. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is commonly found in science, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the level of certainty you wish to convey and avoid overstating the evidence. Consider alternatives such as "may be involved" or "might be connected" based on the nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be involved

Expresses a similar level of possibility regarding involvement, but uses simpler vocabulary.

might be connected

Suggests a possible link or association, rather than direct involvement.

could be associated with

Indicates a potential relationship or correlation, not necessarily direct implication.

might be linked to

Similar to "might be connected", but emphasizes a connection or relationship.

may have a hand in

Suggests potential involvement or influence, often in a negative context.

might bear responsibility

Indicates a potential degree of accountability or blame.

may be liable

Suggests possible legal responsibility or obligation.

could be responsible

Similar to "might bear responsibility", indicating potential accountability.

may face accusations

Focuses on the potential for formal charges or blame.

might draw suspicion

Suggests the possibility of attracting doubt or mistrust.

FAQs

How to use "could be implicated" in a sentence?

Use "could be implicated" to suggest a possibility of involvement, as in "Several individuals "could be implicated" in the scandal."

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

You can use alternatives like "may be involved", "might be connected", or "could be associated with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be implicated" or "is implicated"?

"Could be implicated" suggests a possibility, while "is implicated" asserts a fact. The choice depends on the level of certainty.

What's the difference between "could be implicated" and "might be involved"?

While similar, "could be implicated" often carries a slightly more formal or serious tone, typically used in legal or investigative contexts, whereas "might be involved" is more general.