could be required to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be required to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential obligations or requirements that may be imposed on someone or something in the future. Example: "Employees could be required to attend mandatory training sessions next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

*A patient filing an appeal could be required to pay a $50 fee.

The New York Times

Mr. Bauer and Mr. Scheper could be required to testify, or in the extreme, be disqualified.

The New York Times

Firms could be required to release the land for someone else to build on the property.

The Guardian - Business

It could be required to pay back taxes and penalties if the I.R.S. ruled against it.

The New York Times

All students giving degree recitals could be required to perform works written expressly for them.

The New York Times - Arts

Those who did, the contracts stipulated, could be required to pay damages of $1 million.

The New York Times

If it falls below $5, some investors could be required to sell, The Journal notes.

The New York Times

In addition, bondholders could be required to accept lower terms if a bank neared insolvency.

The New York Times

If the city lost, it could be required to compensate the company for its undeveloped rights.

The New York Times

They could be required to corroborate a confession with stringent evidence.

The New York Times

Or they could be required to attend government-sponsored programs for adult education and skills training.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be required to" when indicating a potential, not guaranteed, obligation. If the obligation is certain, consider stronger phrases like "must" or "are required to".

Common error

Avoid using "could be required to" excessively, as it can lead to passive voice and weaken your writing. Opt for active voice constructions when possible to make your sentences more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be required to" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility of obligation or necessity. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests that an action might be necessary under certain circumstances, without being a definite command. This modal construction is commonly used to indicate potential requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be required to" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a potential obligation or necessity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency across diverse sources, particularly in news and media, underscores its common usage in conveying potential requirements across various contexts. While alternatives like "might be obliged to" or "may need to" exist, "could be required to" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the triggering condition is well-defined. By avoiding overuse and opting for active voice when appropriate, you can enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be obliged to

Focuses more on a sense of duty or moral imperative.

may be compelled to

Suggests a stronger external force or legal obligation.

might have to

A more informal and less forceful alternative.

may need to

Emphasizes a need or necessity rather than a strict requirement.

could need to

Expresses the possibility of needing to do something.

can be forced to

Suggests a higher degree of external pressure or coercion.

are liable to

Implies a legal or financial responsibility.

are subject to

Indicates being under the authority or control of something.

might be expected to

Implies a sense of anticipation or anticipation of a particular action.

might be advisable to

Indicates that something is recommended or sensible to do.

FAQs

How can I use "could be required to" in a sentence?

Use "could be required to" to indicate a possible obligation or necessity. For example, "Employees "could be required to" attend training sessions."

What's a more formal alternative to "could be required to"?

More formal alternatives include "may be compelled to" or "might be obliged to", which suggest a stronger sense of duty or necessity.

Is there a difference between "could be required to" and "must"?

"Could be required to" indicates a potential obligation, while "must" implies a definite and unavoidable obligation. The choice depends on the certainty of the requirement.

What are some situations where "could be required to" is appropriate?

"Could be required to" is appropriate when discussing potential regulations, policies, or contractual obligations that may or may not be enforced, depending on specific conditions.