could be relieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be relieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone or something experiencing relief from a situation or condition. Example: "After a long day at work, she felt that her stress could be relieved by a relaxing bath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unless they could be relieved, they would have to surrender.

The New York Times

Now, as a birthday absentee, I could be relieved of this role.

The New York Times

Moreover, the effect of the inhibitory compounds in lignocellulosic hydrolyzates on cell growth and succinic acid production could be relieved.

Bioresource Technology

A lot of that strain could be relieved if people use pharmacies more".

The Guardian

O'Neill could be relieved at Giroud's miss but delighted at Sunderland's collective resilience.

The Guardian - Sport

The shortfall could be relieved by accelerating some developments, but even that would take time and money.

The New York Times

He said they agreed that poverty could be relieved neither by the churches alone nor exclusively by government programs.

The New York Times

In another age, I could be relieved that I don't have any sons to fight and die in a war.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some, like O'Hare, could be relieved by a new runway or a satellite airport now under discussion.

The New York Times

"There is a big salary that comes with the job but also the understanding that you could be relieved of the post at any time.

Independent

So the book is a tract, like Swift's "A Modest Proposal," which argues that Ireland's widespread poverty could be relieved if the Irish would start eating children.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be relieved", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being relieved and what is providing the relief. For example, "The pressure on the healthcare system could be relieved by increased funding."

Common error

Avoid using "could be relieved" without specifying what or who is receiving the relief. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. For example, instead of saying "The situation could be relieved", clarify it as "The tension in the room could be relieved by a joke."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be relieved" functions as a passive construction, indicating a potential action that can be done to alleviate a burden or problem. It suggests a possibility or option for easing a situation, as evidenced by Ludwig AI confirming its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be relieved" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express the possibility of alleviation or easing of a burden or problem. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, and its formality can range from neutral to formal depending on the source. While very common, it is important to specify clearly what is being relieved to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "might be eased" or "could be mitigated" can be used to add nuance. Overall, this phrase is a reliable way to suggest potential solutions and improvements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be alleviated

Replaces "relieved" with "alleviated", indicating a lessening of pain or difficulty.

might be eased

Replaces "relieved" with "eased", suggesting a gentler reduction in intensity.

may be lessened

Substitutes "relieved" with "lessened", emphasizing a decrease in burden or pressure.

can be reduced

Focuses on the action of reducing the impact or intensity of something.

could be mitigated

Emphasizes the reduction of severity, often used in formal or technical contexts.

can be diminished

Suggests a decrease in size, extent, or importance of something.

may be attenuated

Indicates a weakening or reduction in force, often used in scientific contexts.

might find respite

Shifts the focus to finding a temporary period of relief or rest.

may experience comfort

Focuses on gaining physical or emotional comfort as a form of relief.

can obtain easement

Uses "easement" as a formal term for relief from a burden or restriction.

FAQs

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

Use "could be relieved" to express the possibility of something being alleviated or eased. For instance, "The traffic congestion "could be relieved" by implementing a new public transportation system."

What are some alternatives to "could be relieved"?

You can use alternatives like "might be eased", "may be lessened", or "could be mitigated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be relieved" or "could have been relieved"?

"Could be relieved" suggests a present or future possibility, while "could have been relieved" refers to a past possibility that did not occur. For example, "The pain could be relieved with medication" versus "The pain could have been relieved if he had taken the medication."

What's the difference between "could be relieved" and "could find relief"?

"Could be relieved" focuses on the action being done to something, while "could find relief" focuses on the subject experiencing relief. For example, "The pressure "could be relieved" by cutting taxes" versus "Taxpayers "could find relief" if taxes were cut."