could be learned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be learned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible to acquire knowledge or skills about, often in a hypothetical or conditional context. Example: "Many skills could be learned through practice and dedication, regardless of one's background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That, I think, could be learned".

The New Yorker

The languages of law enforcement could be learned.

The New Yorker

Mr. Trump vowed that his Midas touch could be learned quickly.

The New York Times

He was asked for his father's telephone number so that more information could be learned.

The New York Times - Sports

Wouldn't it be wonderful if this mind-set could be learned at the college level?

The New York Times

Little more could be learned about the case because it was sealed by a federal court.

The New York Times

As closely as could be learned or surmised, it was built according to traditional methods.

The New York Times

As part of his remit, Chilcot also set out what lessons could be learned.

The Guardian

Those eleven people died so that these lessons could be learned, and I'm going to see they aren't forgotten".

The New Yorker

The form suited him ideally: he could be learned, funny, stylish, show-offy and incisive all at once.

The New York Times - Books

Which is why Okolloh believes a lesson or two could be learned from the gay rights movement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be learned" when discussing the potential for acquiring knowledge or skills, especially when conditions or possibilities are being considered. For example, "New programming languages "could be learned" through online courses."

Common error

Avoid using "could be learned" when a definite statement of fact is more appropriate. Saying something "could be learned" implies possibility or conditionality, not certainty. Instead of "The answer "could be learned"", use "The answer is known" or "The answer was discovered".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be learned" functions as a modal verb phrase in the passive voice. It expresses the potential or possibility of acquiring knowledge or skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be learned" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate the possibility of acquiring knowledge or skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, though it is important to avoid using it in situations requiring a definite statement. Its neutral register allows for use across diverse settings, from news and media to scientific and formal business communications. When seeking alternatives, consider options such as "can be acquired" or "may be learned", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be acquired

Replaces "could" with "can", suggesting a general possibility rather than a conditional one. It focuses on the ability to acquire knowledge.

may be learned

Uses "may" to indicate possibility, which can sometimes suggest a lower probability than "could".

might be learned

Similar to "may be learned", indicating a possibility with a degree of uncertainty.

is able to be learned

Focuses on the ability to learn, similar to "can be learned" but slightly more formal.

can be mastered

Emphasizes achieving a high level of proficiency, adding a dimension of expertise.

is capable of being learned

More formal and verbose, stressing the inherent capability of something to be learned.

has the potential to be learned

Highlights the potential for learning, emphasizing future possibility.

is amenable to learning

Suggests that something is receptive or suitable for the learning process.

lends itself to being learned

Suggests that something is well-suited or appropriate for being learned.

presents learning opportunities

Shifts the focus to the opportunities for learning rather than the act of learning itself.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be learned" is used to express the possibility of acquiring knowledge or skills. For example: "Many valuable lessons "could be learned" from this experience."

What's the difference between "could be learned" and "can be learned"?

"Could be learned" implies a possibility or conditionality, whereas "can be learned" suggests a general ability or potential. "These skills "could be learned" if you practice" suggests a hypothetical situation. "These skills "can be learned" by anyone" suggests a general truth.

What are some alternatives to saying "could be learned"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "can be acquired", "can be mastered", or "is amenable to learning".

Is it correct to say "could be learnt" instead of "could be learned"?

Yes, "learnt" is a valid past participle of "learn", especially in British English, so "could be learnt" is grammatically correct and equivalent in meaning to ""could be learned"".