could be removed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be removed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that an item or person could be taken out of a certain situation or area. For example: "The furniture in the room could be removed to make space for the new sofa."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But nothing could be removed from the red zone.

The Guardian

If all the tumors could be removed, she might not even need more chemotherapy.

The New York Times - Health

Walsh acknowledged that Thomas could be removed from the bench but remain in the organization.

The New York Times - Sports

The Big East could be removed from the football marketplace without Miami.

The New York Times - Sports

One group suggested that Mr. Ahmadinejad could be removed from office.

The New York Times

He would have to keep the tube in his bladder until his prostate could be removed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Emergency housing: 100,000 formerly homeless people could be removed from their current emergency shelters.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seatbelts were made mandatory only in 1976 and seats could be removed along with the driver.

The Guardian - Sport

First, charitable status could be removed from Britain's 2,400 private schools.

The Guardian

Since it was alien to his body, it could be removed when he least expected it.

The Guardian - Books

One piece, Greeley explained, could be removed without disrupting the rest of the system.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be removed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what has the authority or ability to remove the subject. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the sentence conveys the intended meaning effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "could be removed" without specifying the agent of removal when it's crucial for understanding. For example, instead of "The problem could be removed", specify "The problem could be removed by implementing new policies" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be removed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is capable of being removed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI states that the phrase expresses the possibility that someone/something can be taken out of a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be removed" is a versatile phrase that functions as a passive construction, expressing a possibility, permission, or capability for something to be taken away or eliminated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the agent of removal, if relevant, to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "can be eliminated" or "might be withdrawn" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. It is important to remember that "could be removed" is a neutral term, appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be eliminated

This alternative suggests complete removal, often in the context of problems or errors.

can be taken away

This alternative is more direct and implies a clearer possibility or permission for removal.

may be detached

This alternative implies a physical separation or disconnection, often used in technical contexts.

might be withdrawn

This alternative implies a more formal or official removal, such as a retraction or cancellation.

might be extracted

This alternative suggests a more deliberate and forceful process of removal, often used for elements or substances.

is subject to deletion

Formal and specific, often used in legal or technical contexts to indicate something that may be deleted according to regulations.

is liable to be detached

More technical and formal; suggests a tendency or probability of becoming detached.

is capable of being excised

This option is more technical and usually refers to surgical removal or highly precise extraction.

is eligible for exclusion

This phrase is more specific, implying that something or someone meets the criteria to be excluded.

can be undone

Suggests reversing a previous action or state, implying a removal of the effect rather than the object itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be removed" to indicate a possibility or permissibility of something being taken away or eliminated. For example, "The outdated equipment "can be replaced"", or "If the obstacle is too large, it "might be bypassed"".

What are some alternatives to "could be removed"?

Alternatives include "can be eliminated", "may be detached", or "might be withdrawn", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "could be removed" and "can be removed"?

"Could be removed" suggests a possibility or a conditional ability to remove something. "Can be removed" implies a present ability or permission. The former is more hypothetical, while the latter is more definitive.

Which is more formal, "could be removed" or "might be removed"?

Both "could be removed" and "might be removed" are generally interchangeable and formal, but "might" can sometimes indicate a slightly lower probability compared to "could".