could be measured

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be measured" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something can be measured or quantified in some way. For example, "The effectiveness of the new advertising campaign could be measured by the increase in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of the pain could be measured.

The New York Times

Changes could be measured in millimetres.

The Guardian - Arts

It could be measured in money.

The Guardian - Sport

could be measured in the high 60's.

The New York Times

Everything I wrote could be measured by a string...

The New Yorker

The pressure could be measured by the number of quarters.

University of California, Berkeley

And crucially, he showed how this difference could be measured.

MIT Technology Review

Credit and debt could be measured, risk and potential inferred.

The Washington Post

SBF could be measured with ethanol with reasonable accuracy.

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

Everything I wrote could be measured by a string..

The New Yorker

Their work could be measured, life by life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be measured", specify the units or methods of measurement to provide clarity and context. For instance, instead of saying "progress could be measured", specify "progress could be measured in terms of milestones achieved or revenue generated".

Common error

Avoid using "could be measured" in contexts where measurement is practically impossible or highly subjective. Ensure that there are tangible, objective criteria for measurement to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be measured" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or capability of something being measured. Ludwig's examples show it's used to express that a particular aspect or outcome is able to be quantified or evaluated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be measured" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential for something to be quantified or assessed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including news, science, and academia. The phrase functions as a modal passive construction, indicating feasibility rather than necessity. To maximize clarity, specify measurement units or methods. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward formality, particularly in scientific contexts. Related phrases include "can be quantified" and "can be assessed". When writing, avoid vague statements and ensure objective criteria for measurement are in place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be quantified

Focuses on the ability to express something numerically.

is quantifiable

Highlights the inherent quality of being measurable.

can be assessed

Shifts the focus to evaluating or judging something.

is amenable to measurement

Emphasizes the suitability for being measured.

can be evaluated

Focuses on determining the value or significance.

is susceptible to quantification

Highlights the vulnerability or tendency to be quantified.

can be gauged

Suggests a method of estimating or judging something.

is capable of being measured

States the capacity or potential for measurement.

allows for measurement

Focuses on enabling or permitting measurement.

lends itself to quantification

Implies a natural or inherent suitability for quantification.

FAQs

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

Use "could be measured" to indicate that something is capable of being quantified or assessed. For example, "The success of the project "could be measured" by its impact on user engagement."

What are some alternatives to "could be measured"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be quantified", "is quantifiable", or "can be assessed", depending on the specific context and the type of measurement being discussed.

What's the difference between "could be measured" and "should be measured"?

"Could be measured" implies the possibility of measurement, while "should be measured" suggests that measurement is advisable or necessary. The former focuses on capability, while the latter focuses on recommendation or requirement.

In what contexts is "could be measured" most appropriate?

"Could be measured" is appropriate in contexts where you want to highlight the feasibility or potential for measurement, such as discussing research methodologies, evaluating project outcomes, or assessing the effectiveness of strategies.