could be recalled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be recalled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of something being remembered or brought back to mind. Example: "The details of the meeting could be recalled if necessary during the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The governor-general could be recalled by the crown.

Britannica

Their bombs, on aircraft, could be recalled after a false alarm.

The Economist

Only 2 million of those 73 million units could be recalled.

The Guardian

The UK campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) warned that millions of cars could be recalled.

The Guardian - Business

There is an outside possibility Hart could be recalled by City.

The Guardian - Sport

MANNY MALHOTRA could begin the season in Hartford, although he could be recalled at any time.

The New York Times - Sports

The warning said up to 1.8 million vehicles could be recalled, including Aygo, iQ, Yaris, Corolla, Avensis and RAV4 models.

The New York Times

In addition, in a discontinuous model the OVA-specific CD8+ T cells could be recalled on re-exposure to OVA, demonstrating memory.

The American Journal of Pathology

The loans could be recalled, though, if the Treasury Department did not approve G.M.'s restructuring plan.

The New York Times

But he was later released on police bail, his lawyer said, meaning that he could be recalled for further questioning.

The New York Times

Gio Gonzalez, who is 7-6 with a 4.34 E.R.A. in Class AAA, could be recalled to replace Blanton.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be recalled", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is being considered for return or remembrance. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when using "could be recalled". If the sentence begins in the past tense, maintain consistency. For instance, instead of "The manager said the player could be recalled, but he is still playing", use "The manager said the player could be recalled, but he was still playing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be recalled" functions as a passive construction indicating a possibility or potential action. It is used to express that someone or something might be brought back, remembered, or reinstated. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is widely employed across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be recalled" is a versatile passive construction used to indicate a potential or conditional action of bringing back or remembering something. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, ensure that the context is clear to avoid ambiguity and that the tense is consistent. Alternatives such as "might be reinstated" or "may be brought back" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be reinstated

Replaces "recalled" with "reinstated," suggesting a formal return to a previous position or state.

may be brought back

Uses a more general term, "brought back", in place of "recalled", indicating a return but less formally.

could be brought to mind

Focuses on the aspect of remembering, substituting "recalled" with "brought to mind".

might be summoned back

Suggests a formal or official return, replacing "recalled" with "summoned back".

can be resurrected

Implies a revival from a dormant state, differing from a simple return.

may be reconvened

Suitable when referring to a group or meeting that is brought back together.

could be triggered again

Refers to the reactivation of something, such as a memory or a process.

can be re-established

Indicates that something is brought back to a state of being established or in force.

may be reactivated

Emphasizes a return to an active state, especially after a period of inactivity.

might be restored

Suggests returning something to its original condition or position.

FAQs

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

Use "could be recalled" to indicate the possibility of something or someone being brought back or remembered. For example, "The ambassador "could be recalled" if the situation escalates" or "The details "could be recalled" with the help of old records".

What are some alternatives to "could be recalled"?

Alternatives include "might be reinstated", "may be brought back", or "could be brought to mind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be recalled" formal or informal?

"Could be recalled" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the formality can also depend on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone of the text.

What does "could be recalled" mean in the context of a product?

In the context of a product, "could be recalled" signifies that there is a possibility the product may need to be taken back by the manufacturer due to a safety issue or defect. For instance, "Millions of cars "could be recalled" due to faulty brakes".