could be obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing a possibility that something could exist or be provided. For example: "Qualified candidates for this position could be obtained if the job was properly advertised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police codes could be obtained and deciphered.

The New Yorker

"No autopsy permit could be obtained.

The New Yorker

No explanation could be obtained immediately.

The New York Times - Arts

The only place lapis lazuli could be obtained was Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Arts

Even prescription-only medicines could be obtained from friendly pharmacists.

The Guardian

Specific waivers could be obtained in some instances.

The New York Times - Sports

More-practical lighting could be obtained from an incandescent lamp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second case's caregiver died before blood samples could be obtained.

The New York Times

Dr. Niman said convincing evidence could be obtained only from blood tests.

The New York Times

A civil "crime prevention injunction" which could be obtained within "hours rather than months".

The Guardian

"Brightly coloured Soviet posters" - sunlit tractors and smiling workers - could be obtained free of charge.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be obtained", ensure the context clearly indicates the conditions or methods by which the subject can be acquired. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "could be obtained" without specifying the actor or process. Active voice often makes sentences more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be obtained" functions as a passive construction, indicating a potential action that can be performed on a subject. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be obtained" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to express the possibility of acquiring something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal settings. When using "could be obtained", be mindful of clarity, ensuring the method or conditions for acquisition are evident. Alternatives such as "can be acquired" or "may be procured" can offer subtle shifts in tone or emphasis. Over reliance on passive voice, while grammatically correct, should be balanced with active constructions for more direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be acquired

Indicates a possibility of getting something but using a different verb.

may be procured

Replaces "obtained" with a more formal synonym "procured" suggesting a slightly different tone.

might be attained

Uses "attained" instead of "obtained", implying effort or achievement in acquiring something.

is potentially achievable

Shifts the focus to the achievability of a goal, rather than the act of obtaining something directly.

can be derived

Emphasizes the extraction or derivation of something from a source.

can be secured

Suggests a sense of ensuring or guaranteeing the acquisition of something.

is accessible

Focuses on the accessibility of something rather than the process of obtaining it.

is available

Indicates the availability of something, without specifying how it is obtained.

may be realized

Highlights the potential for something to come into being or to be made real.

can be accessed

Focuses specifically on the ability to access something, such as information or a resource.

FAQs

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

Use "could be obtained" to express the possibility of acquiring or achieving something, such as "Further information "could be obtained" from the library".

What are some alternatives to "could be obtained"?

You can use phrases like "can be acquired", "may be procured", or "might be attained" depending on the desired nuance.

Which is correct, "could be obtained" or "can be obtained"?

"Could be obtained" suggests a possibility or condition, while "can be obtained" indicates a general ability. The choice depends on the specific context.

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

"Could be obtained" expresses possibility; "should be obtained" expresses advisability or a recommendation. For example, "The sample "could be obtained" by next week" versus "The sample "should be obtained" to confirm the diagnosis."