could be met

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be met" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a potential goal or requirement that could be achieved. For example, "The requirements for the project could be met with some minor modifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would be wonderful if these could be met.

The Economist

But everyone's needs could be met through business partnerships.

Harvard Business Review

Many long-standing challenges in clinical science could be met through advancement and revolutionization.

Medical Clinics of North America

This was above the government's target of 7.5%, which some economists had doubted could be met.

The Economist

This is tight, but it could be met if the opportunity were grasped.

The Economist

What possible cultural need, one might ask, could be met by such a project?

The New Yorker

"A month ago, we did not believe the conditions we set could be met.

Independent

In fact, he had to wait 30 years before all conditions could be met.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He expressed hope and confidence that these challenges could be met by WHO.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The basic requirements for reform could be met within existing European treaties.

The New York Times

His concern, should fees be rescinded, is how the shortfall could be met fairly.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be met", ensure the context clearly defines what is being met, such as goals, targets, or requirements. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your writing is precise and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "could be met" without clearly specifying what 'it' refers to. Always make sure the antecedent is explicit to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be met" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It typically modifies a noun or clause, suggesting that a certain condition or requirement has the capacity to be fulfilled. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be met" is a versatile and grammatically sound modal verb phrase used to express the possibility or potential for a requirement, goal, or condition to be fulfilled. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans diverse contexts from News & Media to Science, though it appears most frequently in news articles. When using this phrase, it’s crucial to ensure clarity regarding what “it” refers to, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives like "can be achieved" or "may be fulfilled" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be achieved

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of achieving a specific goal or target.

may be fulfilled

This suggests a chance of satisfying requirements or expectations.

might be satisfied

This alternative indicates a potential for needs or demands to be satisfied.

can be accomplished

This focuses on the successful completion of a task or objective.

is potentially attainable

This highlights the possibility of reaching a certain level or state.

may be realized

This suggests the possibility of something becoming a reality.

could be attained

This emphasizes reaching a goal or level through effort.

can be delivered

This alternative emphasizes the ability to provide or produce the desired outcome.

is likely to be reached

This suggests a high probability of achieving a specific target or goal.

might be completed

This indicates the possibility of finishing a task or project.

FAQs

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

Use "could be met" to indicate that a requirement, goal, or condition has the potential to be fulfilled. For example, "The project deadline "could be met" if we allocate additional resources."

What are some alternatives to saying "could be met"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be achieved", "may be fulfilled", or "might be satisfied", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "could be met" in formal writing?

Yes, "could be met" is suitable for formal writing, as it's grammatically correct and widely used in professional, academic, and news contexts. Just ensure the context is clear and the subject is well-defined.

What does "could be met" imply in a sentence?

It implies a possibility or potential for a condition, requirement, or goal to be satisfied or achieved. The degree of certainty is less than "will be met", indicating a degree of uncertainty or contingency.