could be resolved

USAGE SUMMARY

'could be resolved' is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express uncertainty about potential outcomes. For example: "The dispute between the two countries could be resolved through diplomatic negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This could be resolved today.

The Guardian

Those issues could be resolved easily.

The New York Times - Arts

"We were unsure they could be resolved.

The New York Times - Arts

Some issues could be resolved in the coming weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

It was unclear how that issue could be resolved.

The New York Times

That could be resolved by September as well.

The New York Times - Arts

Chevron bought Texaco before the case could be resolved.

The New York Times

The matter could be resolved in weeks, not years.

The New York Times

He said he hoped the matter could be resolved amicably.

The New York Times

The expectation was that it could be resolved promptly.

The Guardian

There are two ways the issue could be resolved.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be resolved" when discussing potential future outcomes or solutions, especially when there is uncertainty about whether a resolution is achievable. For instance, "The conflict could be resolved through further negotiations."

Common error

While "could be resolved" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing seem weak. Consider using active voice when appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The issue could be resolved by the team", try "The team could resolve the issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be resolved" functions as a modal verb phrase in the passive voice, expressing the possibility or potential for a situation or problem to be solved or settled. This highlights the potential for resolution without specifying who or what will bring about the resolution. Ludwig confirms the common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be resolved" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the potential for a solution or resolution to a problem or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, this passive voice construction is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. While it's a valuable phrase, overuse of passive voice should be avoided to maintain clear and impactful writing. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "might be solved" or "can be fixed" depending on the specific context. With its common usage and clear meaning, "could be resolved" remains a reliable choice for expressing possibilities of resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be solved

Indicates a possibility of a solution, similar to "could be resolved" but uses "solved" instead of "resolved".

may be settled

Suggests a potential agreement or resolution, focusing on the act of settling a dispute or issue.

can be fixed

Implies the possibility of repairing or correcting something, emphasizing the aspect of fixing a problem.

is potentially solvable

Highlights the potential for a solution to be found, framing the situation as one that is solvable.

might find a solution

Focuses on the action of finding a solution, suggesting a proactive approach to resolving an issue.

could reach a conclusion

Emphasizes the possibility of coming to a conclusion, particularly in discussions or investigations.

can be straightened out

Suggests the possibility of clarifying or organizing something, often used for complex or confusing situations.

may be addressed

Highlights the possibility of dealing with an issue or problem, focusing on the action of addressing it.

can be worked out

Implies the potential for a solution to be developed through effort and collaboration.

might be cleared up

Suggests the possibility of removing confusion or resolving misunderstandings.

FAQs

What does "could be resolved" mean?

The phrase "could be resolved" indicates that there is a possibility for a problem, conflict, or issue to be solved or settled. It suggests that a resolution is achievable, although not guaranteed.

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

You can use "could be resolved" to discuss potential solutions to problems. For example, "The dispute "might be settled" through mediation", or "The technical issues "can be fixed" with the latest update".

What are some alternatives to "could be resolved"?

Alternatives include "might be solved", "may be settled", "can be fixed", or "is potentially solvable". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "could be resolved"?

While "could be resolved" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, instead of saying "The problem "can be worked out" by the team", you could say "The team could work out the problem".