could be linked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be linked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential connections or relationships between two or more subjects or ideas. Example: "The symptoms of the disease could be linked to environmental factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In reality, his future and Orlando Hernandez's could be linked.

The New York Times - Sports

This could be linked to a specific project or meeting.

The Guardian

Everything we said could be linked to us.

The New York Times

However, none of the semen collected from the victim could be linked to the teenagers.

The New York Times

The Royal Horticultural Society believes the upsurge of the disease could be linked to climate change".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Commercial development could be linked to a planned commuter train station.

The New York Times - Arts

Opening the case, he said Howell and Martin could be linked to all three murders.

The Guardian

"So it's an act that could be linked to [destroying] several files," Van Wymersch said.

The Guardian

The consultation document also hints that staff pay and promotion could be linked to teaching performance.

The Guardian

Over time these programs could be linked to establish a single comparable global carbon market.

The Guardian

Multi-family households could be linked to unrelated people sharing housing costs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be linked" to express a potential connection between two subjects when the evidence is not definitive. This provides a degree of uncertainty while still suggesting a possible relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "could be linked" when there is clear evidence of a direct causal relationship. Using a stronger term like "is" or "are" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be linked" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential connection. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it indicates a tentative relationship between two or more elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be linked" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to suggest a potential connection or relationship between two or more subjects. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the connection is not overstated and that a more definitive term isn't more appropriate. Consider alternatives like ""may be associated"" or ""might be connected"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be associated with

Adds a more formal tone, indicating a statistical or correlational relationship.

may be associated

Emphasizes a potential connection without asserting a definite relationship; less direct.

might be connected

Suggests a possibility of a relationship, similar to "could", but with a slightly weaker connotation.

may be related

Indicates a possible relationship or connection, often used in scientific or formal contexts.

might be influenced by

Suggests that one thing has an effect on another, without implying a direct link.

might be tied to

Suggests a stronger dependency or influence between the subjects.

may correlate with

Specifically indicates a statistical correlation, not necessarily causation.

could result from

Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, where one thing is a consequence of another.

may stem from

Implies a causal relationship, where one thing originates from another.

might derive from

Similar to 'may stem from', suggesting origin or derivation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be linked" suggests a possible connection or relationship. For example, "The increase in pollution "could be linked" to increased industrial activity."

What are some alternatives to "could be linked"?

Alternatives include "may be associated", "might be connected", or "may be related". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "could be linked to" or "could be linked with"?

"Could be linked to" is the more common and generally preferred usage. However, "could be linked with" is also acceptable, especially when emphasizing a reciprocal relationship.

What is the difference between "could be linked" and "is linked"?

"Could be linked" suggests a possibility, while "is linked" asserts a definite connection. Use "could be linked" when the relationship is not fully proven or remains speculative.