could be merged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be merged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of combining two or more elements, such as ideas, documents, or data sets. Example: "The two reports could be merged to create a comprehensive overview of the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And some analysts think that AT&T Broadband eventually could be merged or sold piecemeal.

The New York Times

Professor Gellman said he had doubts about whether two major airlines could be merged successfully.

The New York Times

Already fears Granta could be merged with Portobello Books have been dispelled.

The Guardian - Books

All of those councils which have either been merged, or could be merged, have been.

The Guardian

Nipponbare RefSeq genes and full-length novel genes could be merged into 23,876 gene families.

Nature

To begin with, it could be merged with the proposed bank-resolution authority.

The Economist

He suggests that the divested Lloyds branches could be merged with Northern Rock, creating a proper "new challenger bank".

The Guardian - Business

But what if the technologies for reanimating dead stars and for creating digital actors could be merged?

The New York Times

He suggested that the divested Lloyds branches could be merged with Northern Rock, creating a proper "new challenger bank".

The Guardian - Business

Its Dodge Ram truck lineup could be merged with Chevy, which would also pick up pieces of the GMC business.

The New York Times

With a little imagination, it's easy to see how they could be merged to give everybody something.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be merged", ensure that the subjects being combined are compatible and that the resulting combination makes logical sense. This is particularly important in technical or scientific contexts where precision is key.

Common error

Avoid using "could be merged" when the elements are too disparate or lack a clear unifying principle. For instance, stating that "any two ideas could be merged" without a logical connection can weaken your argument. Be specific about the rationale behind the potential merger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be merged" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the possibility that two or more entities may be combined. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be merged" is a versatile and commonly used expression that suggests the potential for combining two or more elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently across diverse domains, including science, news, and formal business contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide array of writing styles. The phrase's function is to propose a possibility, often related to improving efficiency or solving problems. While highly adaptable, it's important to ensure that the subjects being considered for merging are logically compatible to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be combined

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a lower probability of combination.

can be integrated

Uses "integrated" instead of "merged", implying a more complex form of combination.

may be consolidated

Substitutes "merged" with "consolidated", indicating a strengthening through combination.

could be unified

Replaces "merged" with "unified", emphasizing the creation of a single entity.

could be amalgamated

Uses "amalgamated", implying a blending of different elements.

could be incorporated

Emphasizes the inclusion of one element within another.

could be fused

Suggests a more permanent and inseparable combination.

might be joined

Uses a simpler term, "joined", for a less formal context.

can be synthesized

Implies a more deliberate and creative process of combination.

may be clustered

Suggests grouping similar elements together.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be merged" to suggest the possibility of combining two or more things. For example, "The two departments "could be merged" to save costs."

What are some alternatives to "could be merged"?

Alternatives include "might be combined", "can be integrated", or "may be consolidated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "could be merged" or "could merge"?

"Could merge" implies an ability to merge something actively, while ""could be merged"" suggests a passive possibility of being combined. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

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

"Could be merged" indicates a possibility, whereas "should be merged" implies a recommendation or advisability. The latter suggests that merging is a good idea.