could be lived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be lived" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a possibility, typically that something is desirable or could be the case given the right circumstances. For example, "In a perfect world, poverty could be lived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Her life could be lived in generous miniature".

The Guardian - Books

Or at least, nothing remotely resembling my life could be lived on that sum.

The Guardian - Books

There had to be at least one place in this world where life could be lived in accordance with the plans and dreams they had concocted for themselves.

The New Yorker

Shaffer's love of comedy and comedians shines through in his stories of friends like Martin Short, who "showed me that life could be lived out in comedy sketches," and of course Letterman, with whom he has worked since 1982.

The New York Times

One recent day, the Arabic site advised a questioner that killing women and children in war was forbidden unless they were warriors; that a woman could appear unveiled before her son-in-law; that abortions of deformed fetuses were wrong if the condition was one that could be lived with.

The New York Times

The face of the south I had known was hostile and forbidding, and yet out of all the conflicts and the curses… I had somehow gotten the idea that life could be different, could be lived in a fuller and richer manner..

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We could be living the Meredith nightmare.

The Guardian

You could be living next door to one.

The New York Times - Arts

I could be living in a palace petting a phoenix by now," he said.

The New York Times

"We could be living on the streets for 10 or 20 years".

The New York Times

I could be living in a palace petting a phoenix by now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be lived" to express a potential or desired way of life, often in contrast to a current or undesirable situation.

Common error

Avoid using "could be lived" in contexts where a more direct verb would be clearer. For example, instead of "A better life could be lived", consider "We could live a better life."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be lived" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing possibility or potential. Ludwig examples show it is used to describe a hypothetical way of life or a potential state of existence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be lived" is a grammatically correct modal passive construction used to express a hypothetical or potential way of life. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that a certain type of existence is possible, often carrying a tone of aspiration. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, primarily within News & Media and Books contexts. When using "could be lived", ensure the context clearly conveys a sense of possibility and avoid overuse in overly abstract constructions. Alternatives like "can be experienced" or "may be enjoyed" offer subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be experienced

Emphasizes the possibility of undergoing or feeling something, shifting the focus from existence to sensation.

can be led

Focuses on the act of guiding or directing a life, rather than simply existing.

could be sustained

Focuses on the ability to maintain or support life over time.

may be enjoyed

Highlights the potential for pleasure and satisfaction in life.

can be undergone

Emphasizes the process of living through something, often implying a challenging experience.

could be undergone

Similar to 'can be undergone', focuses on life as an experience that is lived through.

might be endured

Shifts the perspective to the possibility of withstanding or tolerating a difficult life.

can be navigated

Emphasizes the act of maneuvering or guiding one's life, particularly in difficult circumstances.

might be passed

Shifts the focus to the act of spending time in a particular way of life.

may be passed through

Highlights the possibility of transition from one life status to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be lived" to describe a potential or hypothetical way of life. For example, "That life "could be lived" if certain conditions are met."

What are some alternatives to "could be lived"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be experienced", "can be led", or "may be enjoyed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be lived" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could be lived" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "could" in conjunction with the passive voice "be lived" to express a possibility.

What does "could be lived" imply?

"Could be lived" often implies a sense of potential or aspiration. It suggests that a particular way of life is possible, even if it's not currently realized.