could be made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be made" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when you are offering a suggestion or showing that something is possible. For example: "A delicious dinner could be made out of these simple ingredients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gestures could be made.

The New Yorker

Switching could be made easier.

The Economist

But some changes could be made immediately.

The Guardian

An entire group could be made invisible.

The New Yorker

Such changes could be made at once.

The Economist

The entire Gulf could be made uninhabitable.

The New York Times

Another trophy could be made.

The Guardian - Sport

No announcement could be made.

The New York Times

What changes could be made?

The Guardian - Money

A case could be made for restraint.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But those repairs could be made.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be made" when suggesting a possibility or potential action. For example, "Improvements could be made to the system if we invest in new technology."

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "could be made" as it can make your writing sound weak or vague. Whenever possible, rephrase sentences to use active voice for a stronger impact. For instance, instead of "Mistakes could be made during the process", consider "The team might make mistakes during the process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be made" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that an action or creation is feasible. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be made" is a versatile and grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express possibility, suggest improvements, or propose changes. As Ludwig AI indicates, its structure is sound and widely accepted. It appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, it's important to avoid overusing passive voice, and to choose the phrase when you want to suggest a potential action, not necessarily a feasible one. Alternatives such as "can be created" or "might be produced" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be created

Focuses on the act of creation or construction, suggesting a tangible outcome.

might be produced

Emphasizes the potential for production, often in a manufacturing or large-scale context.

may be constructed

Highlights the structural or compositional aspect of making something.

can be developed

Suggests a gradual process of growth or improvement in the making.

could potentially exist

Places emphasis on the possibility of existence rather than the act of creation.

can be fashioned

Implies skillful crafting or shaping of something.

might be built

Specifically refers to the act of building or assembling.

may be generated

Highlights the origination or generation of something, often in a technical sense.

can be formed

Emphasizes the shaping or molding of something into a particular form.

could be assembled

Focuses on putting together individual parts to create a whole.

FAQs

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

Use "could be made" to suggest possibilities or potential actions, such as "Adjustments "could be made" to the plan to improve its effectiveness."

What are some alternatives to using "could be made"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be created", "might be produced", or "may be constructed", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different emphasis on the possibility or process involved.

Is it correct to say "could be make" instead of "could be made"?

No, "could be make" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "could be made", where "made" is the past participle of the verb "make".

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

"Could be made" implies a possibility or suggestion, while "can be made" suggests a feasibility or capability. For example, "Changes "could be made"" suggests a recommendation, whereas "Changes "can be made"" indicates that the changes are possible.