could be pursued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be pursued" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential actions or options that may be taken in the future. Example: "Several strategies could be pursued to improve the company's performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Similar policies could be pursued in Peru's neighbouring oil fields.

The Guardian

It was always assumed that these ideals could be pursued in harmony.

The Economist

He said the other missions could be pursued, but not within Smile Train.

The New York Times

The analysis said veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars could be pursued by the groups.

The New York Times

They said a case could be pursued even if a victim was receiving a salary.

The New York Times

My trade (I was a freelance journalist) could be pursued from either end of the country.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Francis knew I had artistic aspirations but expected they could be pursued at home in my spare time.

Independent

And given that Australia is a signatory to the Rome Statute, liability could be pursued through the International Criminal Court.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a bitter pill to swallow for those who believe that a Great Society could be pursued once again.

The New York Times - Books

But the judges implied that the case against Mr. Sharon could be pursued after he left office, lawyers said.

The New York Times

In addition, the timing of any misconduct would also be key to determining whether a violation could be pursued if the law does apply to voice mails.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be pursued" in formal writing, maintain a consistent level of formality in your surrounding language to ensure coherence and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "could be pursued" when a more direct and assertive verb would better convey your intended meaning. Overusing modal verbs can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be pursued" functions as a modal passive construction. According to Ludwig, it indicates a possibility or potential course of action. It implies that something is capable of being undertaken or investigated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be pursued" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction used to express potential courses of action or possibilities. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is widely employed in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains. Alternatives such as "might be undertaken" or "can be explored" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing writers to fine-tune their message. When using "could be pursued", it's important to consider the context and ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and assertiveness. Overall, the phrase serves as a valuable tool for suggesting options and exploring possibilities in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be followed

Emphasizes a linear progression or adherence to a set path, implying a more structured approach.

might be undertaken

Suggests a formal initiation or commencement of a task, often implying a degree of planning or commitment.

can be explored

Highlights the investigative aspect of considering different options, suggesting a more open-ended approach.

may be investigated

Implies a more formal and systematic inquiry, often with the goal of uncovering facts or evidence.

could be implemented

Focuses on the practical application of a plan or strategy, suggesting a move towards concrete action.

might be adopted

Indicates a selection or acceptance of a particular approach or method, often implying a conscious decision.

can be achieved

Highlights the potential for success or accomplishment, emphasizing the attainment of a specific goal.

may be realized

Suggests the possibility of something becoming a reality, often implying a gradual or developmental process.

could be enacted

Implies a formal or legal process of putting something into effect, often associated with laws or regulations.

might be prosecuted

Implies a legal action that may occur, most commonly when someone has broken the law.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be pursued" is used to suggest potential actions or options. For example, "Several strategies "could be pursued" to improve sales."

What are some alternatives to "could be pursued"?

Alternatives include "might be undertaken", "can be explored", or "could be followed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be pursued" instead of "could be pursued"?

Both "can be pursued" and "could be pursued" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can be pursued" implies that something is possible or permissible, while "could be pursued" suggests a possibility or a hypothetical scenario.

What's the difference between "could be pursued" and "should be pursued"?

"Could be pursued" indicates a possibility or option, while "should be pursued" expresses a recommendation or obligation. The latter suggests a stronger imperative.