could be negotiated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be negotiated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing terms or conditions that are open to discussion or modification. Example: "The salary and benefits package could be negotiated during the interview process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The house is being sold unfurnished, although a price for the furnishings could be negotiated.

The New York Times

Mr. Leavitt stood by the administration's plan, although he said state contributions could be negotiated.

The New York Times

The latter at least could be negotiated away, as it was in the last coalition deal.

The Guardian

No lasting peace could hold without him, but none could be negotiated with him either.

The New York Times

But no specific timetable was set, and there was hope that the matter could be negotiated.

The New York Times

He also said that "lighter charges" against Ms. True could be negotiated.

The New York Times

Without bringing appropriate power to bear, no peace could be negotiated, much less imposed.

The Washington Post

It depended upon the relative economic strength of the other party whether departures from the printed form could be negotiated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It became an aboveground set of flattened, billboardlike structures that could be negotiated with ladders and platforms.

The New York Times - Arts

Adjustments could be negotiated for bus lines or commercial vehicles that crossed during off-peak hours, he said.

The New York Times

"We are confident this is the best agreement that could be negotiated in the current environment," Mr. Brynien said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "is open to discussion" or "can be arranged" for variety in your writing, especially if you're using the phrase frequently.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everything is "negotiable". Clearly define the scope of what "could be negotiated" to prevent misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be negotiated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is capable of being negotiated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be negotiated" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the possibility of discussion and compromise. According to Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what aspects are negotiable to avoid ambiguity. Remember, while things "could be negotiated", it doesn't guarantee they will be. Consider alternatives such as "is open to negotiation" or "can be discussed" for variety and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is open to negotiation

This alternative emphasizes the availability of the topic for discussion and potential modification.

is open to compromise

This alternative indicates a willingness from all the involved parties to make concessions in order to reach an agreement.

is subject to bargaining

This option implies a more formal or structured negotiation process, potentially involving concessions from both sides.

is amenable to modification

This suggests that the item or proposal is flexible and can be altered to better suit the parties involved.

may be subject to revision

Indicates that the item is not final and could be changed or updated based on further consideration.

can be discussed

This is a more general term indicating that the topic is suitable for conversation and consideration.

is up for discussion

Similar to "can be discussed", this phrase highlights the availability of the topic for debate and potential modification.

is liable to alteration

This suggests a higher probability of changes being made, often due to external factors or requirements.

is potentially adjustable

Highlights the possibility of making changes or adaptations to the topic under consideration.

can be arranged

This suggests a focus on finding a practical solution or compromise that accommodates different needs or requirements.

FAQs

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

Use "could be negotiated" to indicate that certain terms or conditions are open to discussion and possible modification. For example, "The price of the service "could be negotiated" depending on the scope of work."

What are some alternatives to "could be negotiated"?

Alternatives include "is open to negotiation", "can be discussed", or "is subject to bargaining" depending on the formality and context.

Is it better to say "can be negotiated" or "could be negotiated"?

"Could be negotiated" implies a possibility or potential, while "can be negotiated" suggests a definite ability. "Could" is often used when the negotiation is contingent on certain factors.

What is the difference between "negotiable" and "could be negotiated"?

"Negotiable" is an adjective describing something that is open to negotiation, while "could be negotiated" is a verb phrase indicating the possibility or potential for negotiation. You might say, "The terms are "negotiable", and the details "could be negotiated" further."