could be obtaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be obtaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a possibility of acquiring something or receiving information in a certain context. Example: "The data we are analyzing could be obtaining insights into customer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

One potential roadblock could be obtaining the initial 2 × 10 NK cells required to begin this procedure due to the low percentage of NK cells in PBMCs, especially in cancer patients.

BioMed Research International

K. cryptofilum lacks other purine biosynthesis genes (along with histidine biosynthesis genes), but it could be obtaining AICAR through some unidentified salvage pathway or from a component in the environment.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

Four others appear to have been ruled the same, but no records could be obtained.

The Guardian

Records of such authorisations are not maintained centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be obtaining", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being obtained and the conditions or possibilities surrounding that acquisition. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "could be obtaining" in scenarios where a more direct and active voice would enhance clarity and impact. Overusing passive constructions can make your writing sound vague and less engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be obtaining" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or potential action in the continuous/progressive aspect. As per Ludwig AI, the examples demonstrate it suggesting the possibility of acquiring something. The word "could" indicates possibility, while "be obtaining" suggests an ongoing process.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be obtaining" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the possibility of acquiring or receiving something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It finds application in both scientific and news-related contexts, with a neutral to slightly formal tone. While not exceptionally common, its proper usage can add nuance to your writing. Remember to clearly state what is being obtained and to avoid overuse in place of more direct language. By using alternatives like "might be acquiring" or "may be receiving", you can adjust the nuance of your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be acquiring

Replaces "could" with "might" to convey a slightly weaker possibility, and replaces "obtaining" with "acquiring" which is a direct synonym.

may be receiving

Substitutes "could" with "may", indicating possibility and replaces "obtaining" with "receiving" which focuses on the act of getting something.

might gain access to

Replaces the entire phrase with a more specific action focused on gaining access. It alters the focus to accessibility.

may come to possess

Emphasizes possession as a result, changing "obtaining" to "come to possess". Formal and emphasizes the act of owning.

could potentially secure

Adds "potentially" to emphasize the uncertainty and swaps "obtaining" with "secure" highlighting a proactive effort.

might be in receipt of

A more formal and passive phrasing emphasizing the state of receiving. Replaces the active 'obtaining' with a passive construction.

may have the opportunity to acquire

Focuses on the opportunity rather than the act of obtaining. It is longer and emphasizes the chance.

could be granted

This shifts the agency, focusing on someone granting rather than someone obtaining.

may be the recipient of

Emphasizes being the receiver, altering the dynamic from active acquisition to passive reception. Very formal.

might get hold of

More informal, colloquial alternative to "obtaining", suggesting a less formal acquisition.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be obtaining" suggests a possibility of acquiring or receiving something. For instance, "The research team /s/might+be+acquiring valuable data from the experiment", or "The company /s/may+be+receiving crucial funding next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "could be obtaining"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "might be acquiring", "may be receiving", or "might gain access to".

Is "could be obtaining" formal or informal?

The phrase "could be obtaining" has a neutral to slightly formal tone. More informal alternatives include phrases like "might get hold of".

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

"Could be obtaining" suggests an active process of someone acquiring something, while "could be obtained" indicates a passive state where something is available to be received.