could be reconciled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be reconciled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of resolving differences or conflicts between two or more parties or ideas. Example: "Despite their differing opinions, the two leaders believed that their views could be reconciled through open dialogue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

How such a measure could be reconciled with legislation guaranteeing "neutrality" on social networks left some analysts scratching their heads.

The New York Times - Tech

Several justices echoed the sentiment, even as they debated whether the law could be reconciled with the First Amendment.

The New York Times

And though we have tried, this arrangement cannot – and never could – be reconciled with Quebec and the First Nations.

The Guardian - Opinion

The mistake was thinking that the two could be reconciled rather than admitting that some contradictions remain insoluble.

The New York Times

The early economists set out to find a means by which individual freedom and social justice could be reconciled.

The Guardian

I tried to make sense of why there were these polarised interpretations, and whether they could be reconciled.

The Guardian

This, in turn, led the Justice Department to ask the C.I.A. to suspend the torture program until it could be reconciled with the law.

The New Yorker

However, such a merger raises questions about where jobs would be concentrated and whether the strategic and industrial interests of all the European countries involved could be reconciled.

The New York Times

Ms. Lagarde promised to do so, but added that she thought the rights of content owners and Internet companies could be reconciled.

The New York Times - Tech

The prosecution team therefore met a number of the experts to explore where there was common ground and where, if possible, any differences could be reconciled.

The Guardian

The only way in which more gas burning could be reconciled with our climate change commitments is to capture and bury the carbon dioxide it produces.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be reconciled" when you want to express the possibility of resolving differences or conflicts. It suggests that despite current disagreements, a solution or agreement is potentially achievable.

Common error

While "could be reconciled" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider whether an active voice construction might be more impactful, such as "someone could reconcile" or "it is possible to reconcile."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be reconciled" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It often appears in sentences expressing the chance of resolving differences or conflicts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Huffington Post

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be reconciled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the possibility of resolution, harmony, or agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific papers. While it's important to be mindful of overusing passive voice, understanding its nuances allows for effective communication when highlighting potential resolutions. Consider alternatives such as "could be harmonized" or "could be resolved" for slight variations in meaning. Remember that Ludwig's analysis considers authoritative sources to ensure accurate and reliable usage guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be harmonized

Focuses on achieving harmony or agreement, suggesting a smoother resolution.

could be resolved

Emphasizes the act of solving a problem or dispute.

could be settled

Suggests reaching a formal agreement or conclusion.

could be adjusted

Implies making small changes to reach a better fit.

could be brought into agreement

A more formal way of expressing the possibility of achieving consensus.

could be made compatible

Highlights the possibility of things coexisting or functioning together.

differences could be overcome

Focuses on the possibility of surpassing disagreements or obstacles.

conflicts could be mediated

Suggests the involvement of a third party to facilitate resolution.

a compromise could be reached

Highlights the possibility of both sides making concessions.

opposing views could converge

Emphasizes the potential for different viewpoints to come together.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be reconciled" to express the possibility of resolving differences or conflicts. For example, "Despite their initial disagreements, their views "could be reconciled" through negotiation."

What are some alternatives to "could be reconciled"?

Some alternatives to "could be reconciled" include phrases like "could be harmonized", "could be resolved", or "could be settled", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to use "could be reconciled" or "can be reconciled"?

"Could be reconciled" expresses a possibility or a hypothetical situation, while "can be reconciled" suggests a more definite ability or potential. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

What is the difference between "reconcile" and "reconciled"?

"Reconcile" is the verb in its base form, while "reconciled" is the past participle form. In the phrase "could be reconciled", "reconciled" is used as a passive participle, indicating that something is acted upon, rather than doing the action.