could be modified

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be modified" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something can be changed or improved upon. Example: This software program could be modified to meet the customer's needs.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Equipment now used in the sugar process could be modified for the alcohol process.

The New York Times

Handcrafted critical masses could be modified quickly and on the fly.

The New Yorker

I wouldn't deny that it could be modified for deep-fried turkey.

The New Yorker

George Osborne has suggested that "credit easing" could be modified to help SMEs.

The Guardian - Opinion

The treaty could be modified fairly easily to allow what we need to do.

The New York Times

But his approach could be modified to attract Republican support after the election.

The New York Times

It certainly meets, or could be modified to meet, many of the criteria for money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Presumably this method could be modified for use with other levels and grades.

Yale University

They didn't think any aspect of their design could be modified.

Harvard Business Review

Additionally, the technology could be modified for comparing the colors of furniture and rugs.

MIT Technology Review

The Pose, Pause, Bounce, Pounce vocabulary could be modified into something fun? 2. If I could trace Pam Fearnley?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be modified" when suggesting a potential change or improvement, rather than stating a definitive action. This softens the tone and allows for flexibility.

Common error

While "could be modified" is grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice construction for a more direct and impactful statement. For instance, instead of "The design could be modified by the team", try "The team could modify the design".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be modified" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility combined with the passive voice, expressing that something is capable of being changed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig provides various examples of its use in diverse contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be modified" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential for change or alteration, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register and widespread usage across various domains—including science, news, and formal business settings—make it a valuable tool for nuanced communication. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, overuse of the passive voice should be avoided to maintain writing strength and clarity. Related phrases like "can be changed" and "may be adjusted" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be adjusted

Focuses on fine-tuning or small changes, similar to "modified".

might be altered

Suggests a lower probability of modification compared to "could".

can be changed

Indicates a general possibility of change, lacking the conditional aspect of "could".

is subject to change

Highlights that future modifications are anticipated or possible.

is capable of being adapted

A more formal and emphatic way of stating that something can be changed to suit different conditions.

is adaptable

Emphasizes the inherent ability to adjust to different conditions.

can be reconfigured

Highlights the ability to change arrangement or settings

is susceptible to revision

Highlights that it could need modifications due to errors or other factors.

is open to improvement

Emphasizes the potential for positive changes and enhancements.

allows for customization

Focuses on the ability for individual users to make changes.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be modified" is used to indicate that something has the potential to be changed or altered. For example, "The software's settings "could be modified" to suit individual user preferences".

What are some alternatives to "could be modified"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "can be changed", "may be adjusted", or "might be altered" as alternatives to "could be modified".

Is "could be modified" formal or informal?

"Could be modified" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it appropriate for a wide range of writing styles.

What does "could be modified" imply about the modification?

The phrase "could be modified" implies that the modification is possible but not definite. It suggests a potential for change rather than a certainty.