could be released

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be released" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility or potential for something to be made available or set free in the future. Example: "The new software update could be released next month, improving system performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Baker could be released Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

He could be released tomorrow.

The New York Times - Sports

The emails could be released next month.

The Guardian

Toxic sentiments could be released if disturbed or shaken.

The New York Times - Books

Deadly toxins could be released into the air.

The Economist

He could be released after serving 16 months in jail.

The New York Times

They were pushing hard for information that could be released.

The New Yorker

"Radioactive materials could be released if there's damage".

The New York Times

Preliminary results could be released by late June.

The New York Times

Mr. Sheets could be released in three weeks.

The New York Times

Pistorius could be released on parole after three years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be released", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being released and under what conditions. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be released" excessively in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Actively rephrase sentences to emphasize who or what is performing the action of releasing. For example, instead of 'The information could be released by the committee', consider 'The committee could release the information'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be released" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for something to be made available or freed. As shown in Ludwig, the structure suggests that an action might occur, without guaranteeing its certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

33%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be released" is a versatile modal phrase indicating possibility, primarily used in News & Media and Science contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed to express uncertainty about future events. While "could be released" is acceptable in many situations, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid passive constructions that weaken writing. Consider alternatives like "might be freed" or "is potentially launched" based on the specific context and intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be freed

Replaces "could" with "might" for a slightly weaker sense of possibility and replaces "released" with "freed", indicating a potential liberation.

may be discharged

Substitutes "could" with "may" expressing possibility, while "discharged" indicates a formal release, often from a hospital or institution.

might get out

Uses a more informal phrasing to express the possibility of leaving a confined space or situation.

is potentially launched

Replaces "released" with "launched", often used in the context of products, initiatives, or campaigns, focusing on the potential for introduction or unveiling.

may become available

Focuses on the potential for something to be accessible or obtainable, using "available" in place of "released".

is liable to be unveiled

Suggests a probability or expectation of something being revealed or disclosed, swapping out "released" for "unveiled" and introducing the idea of a greater likelihood using "liable".

is scheduled for launch

Implies that something is planned and expected to be set for public availability, with "launch" used in place of "released".

is expected to be issued

Indicates an anticipation or prediction that something will be formally given out or distributed, replacing "released" with "issued".

has the possibility of being disclosed

Highlights the potential for information to be revealed, emphasizing the uncertainty and using a more formal tone.

is apt to be set free

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination towards being released, emphasizing the freedom aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be released" to indicate a possibility or potential for something to be made available or set free in the future. For example, "The report "could be released" next week".

What can I say instead of "could be released"?

You can use alternatives like "might be freed", "may be discharged", or "is potentially launched" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be released" or "can be released"?

"Could be released" implies a possibility or potential, while "can be released" suggests ability or permission. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context. "The documents "can be released"" suggests there is no restriction, while "The documents "could be released"" implies it is possible but not certain.

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

"Could be released" indicates a possibility, while "will be released" expresses a certainty or planned action. The latter suggests a higher degree of confidence in the occurrence of the event.