could be reached

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be reached" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it to express potential, possibility, or an undefined time frame in the future. Example: "John's goal of becoming the best basketball player in the world could be reached someday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither could be reached.

The New York Times

Neither family could be reached on Sunday.

The New York Times

Neither woman could be reached for comment.

The New York Times

Neither man could be reached for comment.

The New York Times

No birds could be reached for comment.

The New York Times

No immediate family member could be reached.

The New York Times - Arts

Neither Young nor Duke could be reached.

The New York Times

Neither could be reached for comment.

The New York Times

No agreement could be reached.

The New York Times

Neither agency could be reached for comment.

The New York Times

Neither roommate could be reached for comment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be reached" to indicate that a goal or state is realistically achievable, but not certain. This conveys a sense of possibility rather than inevitability.

Common error

Avoid using "could be reached" when you intend to express a certain future event. Instead, opt for phrases like "will be reached" or "is expected to be reached" to convey certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be reached" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a potential or conditional state. It suggests that an objective or goal is achievable under certain circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be reached" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express potential or possibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. Its primary function is to suggest that a particular outcome is achievable under certain conditions, making it a versatile tool for expressing realistic but uncertain future events. When using this phrase, consider its nuanced meaning and ensure it aligns with your intended level of certainty. Remember, alternative phrases like "might be attained" or "can be achieved" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be achieved

Focuses on the ability to accomplish something, highlighting capability.

may be accomplished

Similar to "can be achieved" but carries a slightly more formal tone.

might be attained

Emphasizes the possibility of achieving something specific, focusing on the outcome.

can be obtained

Highlights the potential for acquiring something, often referring to resources or information.

is a feasible goal

Focuses on the practicality and achievability of a goal.

is potentially accessible

Highlights the possibility of accessing something, often referring to physical or conceptual access.

is a realistic target

Focuses on the achievability of a specific target, emphasizing practicality.

is within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is possible, though not necessarily probable.

is hypothetically obtainable

Emphasizes the theoretical possibility of obtaining something, often implying that it's not guaranteed.

is within striking distance

Suggests that a goal is close to being achieved, implying progress and proximity.

FAQs

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

Use "could be reached" to express that a certain level or goal is potentially achievable. For example, "The summit could be reached if the weather conditions improve."

What are some alternatives to "could be reached"?

You can use alternatives like "might be attained", "can be achieved", or "is potentially accessible" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "could be reached" or "can be reached"?

"Could be reached" implies a possibility that depends on certain conditions, while "can be reached" suggests a general ability or capability. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "could be reached" and "will be reached"?

"Could be reached" expresses a possibility or potential, while "will be reached" indicates a definite future event. "Could" introduces uncertainty, whereas "will" implies certainty.