could be missed

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be missed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that could be overlooked or forgotten. For example, "This important detail of the plan could be missed if not carefully noted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is an educational opportunity that could be missed.

The Guardian

Some City economists believe both goals could be missed.

The Guardian

Splitter does not score much, but his defense could be missed.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's a chance that that information could be missed and might not be surfaced".

The New York Times

Jeb Bush is well aware that there could be "missed opportunities".

The New York Times

"We considered that the Nike reference was not prominent and could be missed," said the ASA.

The Guardian

All the Russian players started yelling; no way that could be missed.

The New York Times

The basic criticism is that the tactic saves automakers money, but in a fluid society some vehicles could be missed.

The New York Times

Their research suggests that as many as half the cases of prostate cancer could be missed during standard biopsy procedures.

Independent

"The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger".

The New York Times - Tech

This summer the government's statutory climate advisers warned that the UK's existing carbon budgets could be missed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be missed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is at risk of being overlooked. This helps maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "could be missed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing seem less direct. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice where appropriate to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be missed" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential for something to be overlooked or not noticed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be missed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of something being overlooked. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and widespread application across various domains. While relatively uncommon, its usage is prevalent in scientific and news contexts. To enhance writing, remember to clearly define what is at risk of being missed and consider active voice alternatives for increased directness. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use this phrase to convey caution and emphasize the importance of attention to detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be overlooked

Replaces "missed" with "overlooked", emphasizing the act of failing to notice something.

could be undetected

Emphasizes the state of not being detected, implying a lack of awareness.

might be missed

Uses "might" instead of "could", suggesting a slightly lower probability.

may be missed

Uses "may" instead of "could", similar to "might", indicating possibility.

could go unnoticed

Focuses on the lack of attention something might receive.

could be skipped

Implies something could be intentionally left out.

risks being missed

Highlights the risk or potential for something to be missed.

is in danger of being missed

Similar to 'risks being missed' but more emphatic about the potential.

runs the risk of being missed

Similar to 'risks being missed' but uses a more formal structure.

there is a chance it will be missed

Expresses the possibility of something being missed in a longer, more explicit way.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be missed" to indicate the possibility of something being overlooked or not detected, such as, "This important detail "could be missed" if we don't pay attention."

What's the difference between "could be missed" and "might be missed"?

Both phrases express possibility, but "could" generally implies a higher degree of possibility than "might". "Could be missed" suggests a slightly stronger likelihood of something being overlooked than "might be missed".

What can I say instead of "could be missed"?

You can use alternatives like "could be overlooked", "might go unnoticed", or "may be undetected" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "could be missed"?

While "could be missed" is passive, it's often suitable when the actor is unknown or unimportant. However, using an active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct and impactful. Consider whether you can rephrase the sentence to highlight the actor, if relevant.