could be shaped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be shaped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to be formed or influenced in a particular way. Example: "The future of technology could be shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The idea of normality took root, and with it a nasty premise: If minds could be shaped, it followed that they could be well-shaped or ill-shaped with respect to some norm, naturally the greatest common denominator.

The New York Times

Most behaviors, Thorndike eventually concluded, could be shaped with positive feedback.

The New Yorker

She began musing about how a narrative could be shaped to engage viewers' sympathies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But after the election, the party could be shaped by its paymasters.

The Economist

With growing enthusiasm, she began musing about how a narrative could be shaped to engage viewers' sympathies.

The New Yorker

Champions League qualification and the destiny of the Premier League title could be shaped at L4 4EL4

The Guardian - Sport

The task of this unpaid workforce was to provide raw materials which could be shaped for his own purposes.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

This could be shaping up to be the greatest Christmas in Clippers history.

The Guardian - Sport

"This could be shaping up to be the best year in a long, long time".

The New York Times

The Angelina Jolie-directed second world war drama Unbroken could be shaping up to be the American equivalent.

The Guardian - Film

Since Ms Kagan is only 50, she could be shaping the ground rules for American public life for the next four decades.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be shaped", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what is doing the shaping and what is being shaped. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be shaped" without specifying what or who is doing the shaping. For instance, instead of "The policy could be shaped", specify "The policy could be shaped by public opinion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be shaped" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that something has the capacity to be formed or influenced in a particular way. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be shaped" is a versatile and commonly used modal verb phrase that expresses the potential for something to be influenced or formed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, from formal academic writing to news articles. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure you specify what or who is doing the shaping to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "might be formed" or "can be molded" offer subtle variations in meaning, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be formed

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower probability.

can be molded

Substitutes "shaped" with "molded", emphasizing a more physical transformation.

may be influenced

Focuses on the impact of external factors, using "influenced" instead of "shaped".

is capable of being formed

Emphasizes the inherent capability of something to be shaped.

has the potential to be shaped

Highlights the potential aspect using a more elaborate structure.

can be developed

Shifts the focus to the development aspect of shaping.

can be crafted

Implies a more skillful and artistic process of shaping.

might be constructed

Suggests a building or assembly process using "constructed".

can be fashioned

Uses "fashioned" implying a careful and deliberate shaping.

is susceptible to being shaped

Highlights the susceptibility to influence or shaping.

FAQs

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

Use "could be shaped" to express the potential for something to be influenced or formed. For example, "The outcome of the negotiations "could be shaped" by the mediator's involvement".

What are some alternatives to "could be shaped"?

Alternatives include "might be formed", "can be molded", or "may be influenced", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "could be shaped" and "can be shaped"?

"Could be shaped" implies a possibility, while "can be shaped" suggests a capability or inherent property. "Could" suggests the potential depends on circumstances, while "can" indicates an existing ability.

Is "could be shaped" formal or informal?

"Could be shaped" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.