could be known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing information or knowledge that is possible to be recognized or understood by someone. Example: "The results of the experiment could be known by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The results of those scans could be known as soon as Monday.

The Guardian - Sport

That means that Thomas's fate could be known before the season ends April 16.

The New York Times - Sports

They slide down so easily and inconspicuously that they could be known as the "siesta-maker".

The New York Times - Travel

The Academic Skeptics, who are sometimes called "dogmatic" Skeptics, argued that nothing could be known with certainty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was the chance that you could get a good review, and then your work could be known, and maybe you could go on from there.

The Guardian - Film

Depending on how close it is and how certain key states fall, the final result could be known anywhere between 2pm AEDT and the early evening.

The Guardian

The other ongoing controversy is that of Ashers bakery, or as it could be known, the curious sight of a public figure changing his mind.

The Guardian

With imperial babies so rare, even before today's news could be known, the battle lines had begun to form around the question of changing the succession laws.

The New York Times

Space, time, mass, movement, force — these things could be known in a way that such metaphysical imponderables as "divine purpose" and "final causes" could not.

The New Yorker

The sisters said the family would fully co-operate with the DNA tests, the results of which could be known by the end of Wednesday.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

From this result, it could be known mutation could improve bacterial growth activity.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be known", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is and why it's relevant.

Common error

While "could be known" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make it sound less impactful. Consider stronger verbs like "determined" or "ascertained" for increased precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be known" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It indicates that something has the capacity to become known or understood in the future. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is frequently used to discuss future discoveries or revelations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be known" is a modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of future knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for scenarios where uncertainty needs to be conveyed. For more formal writing, alternatives like "can be ascertained" or "may be determined" might offer increased precision. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating its broad applicability. Remember to clearly define the subject and its relevance for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be recognized

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

may be understood

Substitutes "known" with "understood", shifting the focus to comprehension.

can be determined

Emphasizes the ability to find something out.

might become apparent

Focuses on the gradual revelation of something.

may be discovered

Highlights the act of uncovering or finding something previously unknown.

is potentially knowable

Uses a more formal tone to express the potential for knowledge.

can potentially be known

Adds emphasis on the possibility of knowing something.

has the possibility of being known

Expresses the same meaning in a more verbose and formal way.

could come to light

Implies that information will be revealed or made public.

can be brought to awareness

Focuses on making something conscious or understood.

FAQs

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

Use "could be known" to indicate that something has the potential to be discovered or understood, such as, "The side effects of the medication "could be known" after further research."

What's a more formal alternative to "could be known"?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "can be ascertained", "may be determined", or "might be established" for greater precision and impact.

Is there a difference between "could be known" and "might be known"?

While both phrases express possibility, "could be known" suggests a slightly higher likelihood than "might be known". The choice depends on the degree of uncertainty you want to convey.

What are some common contexts where "could be known" is used?

"Could be known" is often used in news reports, scientific papers, and general discussions about future discoveries or revelations. It's suitable for discussing outcomes that are not yet certain but are possible.