could be prevailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be prevailed" is not correct in English.
The correct form would be "could prevail" or "could be prevailed upon." Example: "In this situation, the argument could prevail if presented effectively."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It was only after much goading that they could be prevailed upon to go into their dance.

The New Yorker

An airstrike could also give the rebels the impression that if the US could be prevailed upon to strike once, they could be called upon to strike again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Occasionally, for a good cause, he could be prevailed upon to belt out an a cappella rendition of his 1971 US top 10 hit Peace Train.

The Guardian - Music

By long distance telephone the bride's mother inquired whether Mr. Hope could be prevailed on to call for one of the bridesmaids if he was driving by way of Great Barrington.

The New Yorker

Surely a couple of superstars of the past could be prevailed upon to lend their names to the groups and do a bit of PR in return for the sponsor's remuneration.

The Guardian - Sport

He was convinced that Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower could be prevailed on to run for president on the Republican ticket and that he could beat the favorite for the nomination, Senator Robert A. Taft of Ohio.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

If, that is, either distributor could actually be prevailed upon to pay.

The Guardian

The late and deeply lamented Bruce Bernard could occasionally be prevailed upon to describe a moment from those heady days of Bacon's celebrity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Could they possibly be prevailed upon to stop disparaging President Obama long enough to address what's happening on their side of the aisle?

Huffington Post

You will readily perceive by comparing these Accounts together that the same Articles one with another have risen more than seven and an half for one since my first Settlement with my People, whereas they could never yet be prevailed on to raise my Salary more than three for one...

Huffington Post

After years of the life of a newish drug could not the manufacturers be prevailed on to bring up to date information that comes in every pack that cramp is a side effect.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Rethink your sentence structure. Instead of using passive voice, consider active voice to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Common error

Overusing passive voice can lead to ambiguity and weaken your writing. Ensure that passive constructions are used intentionally for emphasis or when the actor is unknown, rather than out of habit. For example, instead of saying "Mistakes could be made", you could say "Someone could make mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be prevailed" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing a potential action. Although Ludwig AI identifies potential grammatical issues, examples exist across various sources, indicating a degree of usage, even if non-standard. Using the phrase implies a possibility of influence or persuasion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "could be prevailed" is found in various sources, Ludwig AI suggests it deviates from standard grammatical norms. The corrected form "could be prevailed upon" and alternatives like "could be persuaded" or "might be influenced" offer more precise and grammatically sound options. This phrase, appearing mainly in news and media, aims to express the possibility of influence, but writers should exercise caution to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. When in doubt, choose established alternatives to maintain professionalism and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be persuaded

Focuses on convincing someone through argument or influence, implying a willingness to change one's mind.

could be induced

Suggests using incentives or enticements to achieve a desired outcome.

might be convinced

Expresses a possibility of changing someone's belief or opinion.

can be swayed

Highlights the ability to influence someone's decision or opinion.

might be influenced

Indicates a potential impact on someone's actions or thoughts.

could be affected

Implies that external factors might alter a situation or outcome.

might be won over

Focuses on gaining someone's support or agreement.

could be talked into

Suggests convincing someone to do something they were initially reluctant to do.

might be coerced

Indicates the possibility of forcing someone to do something against their will.

can be manipulated

Suggests using cunning or deceitful tactics to influence someone.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "could be prevailed" in a sentence?

While "could be prevailed" appears in some contexts, it's often considered grammatically incorrect. A more standard phrasing is "could be prevailed upon". For example, "He "could be prevailed upon" to help with the project".

What are some alternatives to "could be prevailed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be persuaded", "might be influenced", or "could be convinced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be prevailed" considered formal or informal?

Given its questionable grammatical status, "could be prevailed" is best avoided in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more widely accepted alternatives in professional contexts.

How does "could be prevailed" differ from "could prevail"?

"Could prevail" means something has the potential to succeed or triumph. "Could be prevailed upon", on the other hand, means someone has the potential to be persuaded or influenced. The former refers to success, while the latter refers to influence over a person.