could be sensed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be sensed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is perceivable or detectable, often in a metaphorical or emotional context. Example: "The tension in the room could be sensed as the debate grew more heated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

It could be sensed in the 2,000 empty seats in Continental Arena today.

The New York Times - Sports

The invention meant that hundreds of millions of particles a second could be sensed, evaluated and recorded.

The New York Times - Science

Then, the real-time information of manufacturing resources among assembly stations and assembly exception could be sensed and captured.

Optimization of Manufacturing Systems Using the Internet of Things

This ebullient mood could be sensed right across the fair when it came to the art of the past.

The New York Times

We next searched for a molecular mechanism by which the ER stress signal could be sensed and transmitted to induce Sestrin2 expression upon obesity.

Nature

Still, something of its formative motivation could be sensed, if only vaguely, in "Two Shades," a duet for violin and piano composed for the occasion by Huang Ruo.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Dr. Cornet also said that the chambers could be "sensing platforms to search for extraterrestrial visitation".

The New York Times

Mr Assad could be sensing he is scoring points in the West - as he has in Russia - with his argument that, if he goes, Syria's future could be dominated by Sunni Muslim extremists.

BBC

Mr. Lee puts things together artfully and stages this movie like a comedy of manners; it could be "Sense and Sensibility" with a body count.

The New York Times

Therefore it is feasible that RNA FISH signals observed from the Xi might in fact be anti-sense transcript, whereas signals at the Xa could be sense transcript.

Plosone

Temperature changes could also be sensed by the spinal cord, which contains thermoreceptors detecting cold environment (216).

Annals of Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be sensed" to describe subtle or intangible feelings, atmospheres, or changes that are not directly observable but can be inferred from context. For instance, "The anticipation in the crowd could be sensed as the concert was about to begin."

Common error

Avoid using "could be sensed" when more direct verbs like 'seen', 'heard', or 'smelled' are more appropriate. Saying 'The aroma could be sensed' is less effective than 'The aroma was smelled'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be sensed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is capable of being perceived. Ludwig AI examples show its use across different domains, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be sensed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing the perception of subtle or intangible phenomena. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While alternatives like ""could be felt"" or "could be detected" exist, "could be sensed" specifically conveys an intuitive or indirect awareness. When writing, remember to use it for non-literal contexts and subtle atmospheres, ensuring clarity and impact in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be perceived

Focuses more on active perception rather than a general feeling.

could be felt

Emphasizes a physical or emotional feeling rather than intellectual understanding.

could be detected

Highlights the act of discovering or identifying something not immediately obvious.

was palpable

Indicates that something is so intense it's almost tangible.

could be discerned

Implies careful observation and mental effort to understand something subtle.

could be noticed

Suggests a more casual or unintentional observation.

could be observed

Highlights a more formal or scientific observation.

could be recognized

Focuses on identifying something already known or expected.

could be understood

Emphasizes intellectual comprehension rather than sensory perception.

could be intuited

Suggests understanding something through instinct rather than reason or direct evidence.

FAQs

What does "could be sensed" mean?

The phrase "could be sensed" means something was perceptible or detectable, even if not through direct, obvious means. It often refers to subtle feelings, atmospheres, or changes.

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

You can use "could be sensed" to describe an atmosphere or feeling. For example, "The tension in the room "was palpable"" or "A change in the weather "could be felt"".

What are some alternatives to "could be sensed"?

Alternatives include ""could be felt"", "could be detected", ""was palpable"", and "could be perceived", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "could be sensed" instead of "could be felt"?

Use "could be sensed" when referring to something intangible or atmospheric that is perceived through a general awareness or intuition. Use ""could be felt"" when referring to a more direct emotional or physical sensation.