could be purchased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be purchased" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of acquiring something, typically in a formal or informative context. Example: "The rare book could be purchased from the collector's website."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Torsos made of papier-mâché could be purchased for $30.

The New York Times

Ten-gallon flavor-mixing tanks also could be purchased ($85 apiece).

The New York Times - Tech

Romi, the deliveryman, knew of a place where even hard liquor could be purchased.

The New York Times

Marina "dockominium" slips on the property could be purchased for prices up to $325,000.

The New York Times

"In the 16th century, a Romani child could be purchased for 32p.

The Guardian - Books

Around 70 houses were in the safeguarding area, which could be purchased for HS2.

The Guardian

They could be purchased at dealerships in Maplewood and Wildwood or at Bamberger's in Newark.

The New York Times

Some could be purchased and a multimillion-pound contract with lobbyists Bell Pottinger was concluded.

The Guardian

In 2001 DRAM could be purchased for less than $0.25 per megabyte.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In fact, the crooks told us they were astounded at how cheaply things could be purchased here".

The New York Times

Iraqi officials paid up to $60,000 apiece, when the wands could be purchased for as little as $18,500.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "could be purchased", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being purchased and the potential buyer. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be purchased" excessively in contexts where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The product could be purchased online", consider "You can purchase the product online".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be purchased" functions as a passive construction indicating a potential action. It suggests the possibility of acquiring something through a transaction. Ludwig examples show it's used across diverse contexts, indicating broad applicability. Ludwig AI's assessment confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Huffington Post

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be purchased" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the possibility of buying something. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, shows that while it's suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki, it's essential to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what's being purchased. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct, and is suitable for various contexts and mediums. Although the passive voice is useful, overuse can be avoided by opting for active constructions. Alternatives like "can be obtained" or "might be acquired" provide options for adjusting the tone based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be bought

Uses a more common synonym, "bought", instead of "purchased", resulting in a slightly less formal tone.

might be acquired

Replaces "purchased" with "acquired", indicating a more formal or strategic acquisition.

can be obtained

Emphasizes the ability to obtain something, focusing on the process rather than the monetary transaction.

may be secured

Highlights the act of securing or ensuring possession, often used in a competitive context.

is available for purchase

Shifts the focus to availability, implying that the item is currently on the market.

is procurable

A more formal and less common way of saying something can be obtained or acquired.

can be accessed

Emphasizes the accessibility of something, implying ease of acquisition or entry.

is up for grabs

An informal way of saying something is available and can be acquired, often implying competition.

is on sale

Focuses specifically on the item being offered for sale, often at a reduced price.

can be leased

Indicates the possibility of leasing rather than buying, implying a temporary acquisition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could be purchased" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "might be acquired" or "can be obtained". These options offer a sophisticated alternative while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is there a less formal synonym for "could be purchased"?

Yes, a less formal option is "could be bought". This alternative uses more common language and is suitable for casual contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice phrase "could be purchased"?

The passive voice is appropriate when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or implied. For instance, "The software license could be purchased online" focuses on the availability of the license, not who is selling it.

What's the difference between "could be purchased" and "is available for purchase"?

"Could be purchased" suggests a potential or possibility, while "is available for purchase" indicates a current state of being offered for sale. The former is more hypothetical, the latter more factual.