could be propelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be propelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to be driven or moved forward, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The rocket could be propelled into space with the right amount of fuel and thrust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Nevertheless, as C.I.A. bureaucrats debated the appropriate temperature of the water with which they planned to fill the lungs of captives or the number of times prisoners could be propelled head-first into a plywood wall ("twenty to thirty times consecutively"), it's hard not to have renewed appreciation for Arendt.

The New Yorker

Between them stood a remnant of the original Iron Curtain fence: its concrete support posts had once been fortified with antipersonnel fragmentation mines loaded with an explosive charge of 110 grams of TNT and 80 metal splinters that could be propelled 30 yards in all directions.

The New York Times - Travel

"It was attached in a way so the skateboard could be propelled," he said.

Los Angeles Times

In 1923, Hermann Oberth considered a father of modern rocketry, along with Robert H. Goddard and Konstantin Tsiolkovsky published ("The Rocket into Planetary Space"), which mentioned how a telescope could be propelled into Earth orbit by a rocket.

Wikipedia

It could be propelled by either sails or oars but was still smaller and more maneuverable than most sailing warships, which made it suitable for operations in the confined waters.

Wikipedia

It could be propelled with either sails or oars and was both smaller and more manoeuvrable than most sailing warships which made it suitable for operations in shallow, confined waters.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is seen as a secret ingredient to his success: what could be propelling the most decorated Olympian of all time to gold medal glory?

The Guardian - Music

In contrast a 'heavy' shell with brown powder could only be propelled at a velocity of.

Wikipedia

The 'light' shell had a muzzle velocity of while the 'heavy' shell could only be propelled at a velocity of.

Wikipedia

Obousy was credited by Gizmodo in 2009 for creating "a scientifically accurate warpship design" that could hypothetically be propelled through space by manipulating dark energy.

Vice

For all the chorus of sceptics and Miliband's dire personal polling, Labour could clearly still be propelled into government next year on the back of falling living standards and revulsion at Cameron's Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be propelled" to describe scenarios where an object or idea has the potential to be moved forward by a specific force or influence. For example, "The startup could be propelled to success with the right marketing strategy".

Common error

Avoid using "could be propelled" in situations where simpler verbs like "can move" or "may advance" suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be propelled" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the potential for an entity to be moved or driven forward by an external force. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It suggests a conditional possibility, indicating that propulsion is contingent upon certain factors or conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be propelled" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to express the potential for something to be moved or driven forward. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid in English. Although rated as "Uncommon" in frequency, its use spans across diverse contexts such as news, science, and general knowledge. Its adaptability and clarity make it a useful tool for describing potential movement or progress contingent upon specific conditions. When writing, remember to avoid overuse in situations where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. Use it to convey the potential for movement, the influence of external forces, and the conditional nature of propulsion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is potentially propelled

Emphasizes the potential for being moved forward.

can get propelled

Indicates the possibility of experiencing propulsion.

can be driven

Focuses on the ability to be moved or forced forward.

might be launched

Emphasizes the potential for something to be sent into motion.

may receive propulsion

Focuses on the act of receiving the force needed to move.

may be pushed

Highlights the possibility of being advanced or moved by force.

is capable of being moved

Stresses the inherent capacity for movement.

can be thrust

Implies a forceful and sudden movement.

is able to be launched

Highlights the ability to be set into motion.

may be impelled

Suggests a driving force behind the movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be propelled" to indicate that something has the potential to be moved forward or driven by a certain force or influence. For example: "The project "could be propelled" by the new funding."

What are some alternatives to "could be propelled"?

Some alternatives include "can be driven", "might be launched", or "may be pushed", depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "could be propelled" or "could propel"?

"Could be propelled" is passive, indicating something is acted upon. "Could propel" is active, indicating something is doing the action. The correct choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the recipient or the source of the propulsion.

What's the difference between "could be propelled" and "might be propelled"?

Both "could be propelled" and "might be propelled" express possibility, but "could" suggests a greater degree of potential or capability, while "might" suggests a lower probability or more uncertainty.