could be overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

'could be overcome' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express the idea that a difficulty or problem can be solved. For example: "The language barrier between us seemed daunting at first, but with a bit of effort, it could be overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These problems could be overcome.

The New York Times

But that could be overcome.

The Guardian

Fragility could be overcome by toughness.

The New York Times - Sports

Together, these barriers could be overcome.

The Guardian

This could be overcome by tissue engineering.

Procedia Engineering

This could be overcome, by updating agricultural methods.

The Guardian - Opinion

The diplomat said the differences in position could be overcome.

The New York Times

Those obstacles could be overcome with superior technology.

The Guardian - Tech

I saw that the difficulty could be overcome.

The New York Times - Sports

Lack of size, Iverson found, could be overcome by fearlessness.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, these concerns could be overcome, but it will take energy and vigilance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be overcome" when you want to express optimism about solving a problem or facing a challenge. It suggests that while difficulties exist, they are not necessarily permanent or insurmountable.

Common error

While "could be overcome" is grammatically sound, relying too heavily on passive constructions can make your writing sound indirect. Consider rephrasing with an active voice for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be overcome" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the potential for a problem or obstacle to be resolved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be overcome" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential for resolving challenges. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts such as news, science and academic writing. While alternatives like "can be resolved" or "is surmountable" offer similar meanings, "could be overcome" specifically emphasizes the possibility of finding a solution. When using this phrase, consider the overall tone of your writing and avoid overusing passive voice to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not insurmountable

Affirms that the challenge, while significant, is not impossible to overcome.

can be resolved

Emphasizes the solution-oriented aspect, suggesting a clear path to resolution.

is surmountable

Indicates that the obstacle is not impossible to overcome, highlighting feasibility.

can be conquered

Implies a sense of victory and triumph over the difficulty.

is potentially solvable

Highlights the prospect of finding a solution, even if not immediately apparent.

can be mitigated

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of the problem.

can be addressed

Highlights the act of directly dealing with the issue.

can be remedied

Suggests correcting or fixing the problem to restore a better state.

is manageable

Suggests the problem can be controlled or handled effectively.

presents no barrier

Implies the absence of any hindrance or obstruction.

FAQs

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

Use "could be overcome" to suggest a problem is not insurmountable. For example: "The initial challenges "could be overcome" with careful planning".

What are some alternatives to "could be overcome"?

Alternatives include "can be resolved", "can be conquered", or "is surmountable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be overcome" or "could be overcome"?

"Can be overcome" suggests a higher degree of certainty, while "could be overcome" implies possibility. Use "could" when acknowledging uncertainty or potential obstacles.

What does "could be overcome" imply?

It implies that while there may be obstacles or difficulties, they are not necessarily permanent and solutions are possible. It conveys a sense of optimism.