could be incorrect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be incorrect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty about the accuracy of information or a statement. Example: "The data provided in the report could be incorrect, so we should verify it before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"The bottom line could be that every one of them could be incorrect," he said.

The New York Times

Also, I feared that my perception of the individual contribution of each worker could be incorrect.

The New York Times

If a component performing the logical disjunction (A or B) misfired, the total output of a complex operation could be incorrect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Evidence shows that the assumed conceptual hydrogeological model for the springs could be incorrect, and that at least one alternative conceptualisation (that the springs are dependent on a deep fault) is consistent with the available field data.

Journal of Hydrology

Even then, this number could be incorrect, depending on how the employee uncovered the number and any updating latency involved.

TechCrunch

If you already have a listing created, that information is gathered from around the web so it could be incorrect!

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Even if the gossip is benign information, it could still be incorrect, and repeating it could make you look foolish.

Huffington Post

The patient is likely to remember which disease was diagnosed first, but if there is a delay in diagnosis for one of the diseases the association could still be incorrect.

BMC Gastroenterology

Although any element of this list of assumptions could prove to be incorrect, the assumptions are explicit, making it possible to consider their effects.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Nothing could be more incorrect".

The New York Times - Science

Or, it could be that incorrect readings from the vibrator made it look like it was working when it was not.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be incorrect", always provide context or reasoning to support the potential inaccuracy. This adds credibility to your statement and allows for further investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "could be incorrect" when stronger evidence suggests it is incorrect. Choose stronger language or provide specific details about the error instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be incorrect" functions as a hedge, softening a statement to indicate uncertainty about its accuracy. As shown by Ludwig, it implies a possibility rather than a certainty, suggesting a need for verification or further investigation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be incorrect" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or a possibility of inaccuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields, including science and news. When using the phrase, it's essential to provide context and avoid overstating uncertainty where stronger evidence is available. Alternatives like "might be inaccurate" or "may be wrong" can provide subtle shifts in tone or emphasis. The phrase serves as a hedge, inviting further scrutiny of the information presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be inaccurate

Replaces "incorrect" with "inaccurate", focusing on a lack of precision.

could be inaccurate

Substitutes "incorrect" with "inaccurate" maintaining a similar level of formality.

may not be correct

Rephrases the original with a slightly more formal tone.

may be wrong

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the possibility of error.

might not be right

Employs a more colloquial tone, suggesting something is potentially amiss.

might be erroneous

Replaces "incorrect" with "erroneous", implying a more significant error.

may contain errors

Shifts the focus to the presence of errors rather than a general state of incorrectness.

might have mistakes

Highlights the possibility of mistakes being present.

could be flawed

Suggests a defect or imperfection that leads to incorrectness.

potentially be in error

Formal alternative that emphasizes the possibility of an error existing.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be incorrect" to express the possibility that a statement, calculation, or piece of information might not be accurate. For example: "The figures in this report "could be incorrect", so let's verify them before making any decisions."

What are some alternatives to "could be incorrect"?

Some alternatives include "might be inaccurate", "may be wrong", or "might not be right", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "could be incorrect" or "could have been incorrect"?

"Could be incorrect" refers to a present or future possibility, while "could have been incorrect" refers to a past possibility. For example, "The initial assessment "could have been incorrect" at the time." Use the one that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "could be incorrect" and "is incorrect"?

"Could be incorrect" expresses uncertainty and possibility, whereas "is incorrect" states a fact. Use "could be incorrect" when you suspect but don't definitively know that something is wrong. Use "is incorrect" when you have confirmed evidence of the error.