could be shared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'could be shared' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility of something being shared with someone else. For example, "The responsibility for this project could be shared between the two teams".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The blame could be shared.

The New Yorker

Some entrees could be shared.

The New York Times

Is there good practice that could be shared?

The Guardian

Individual items could be shared with other people.

The Economist

Fencing could be shared between the Callanish standing stones, Outer Hebrides and Lewis.

The Guardian

They had all travelled to Belgium and Italy precisely so that important matters could be shared.

The New Yorker

Desks could be shared, and there would be only one TV.

The New York Times

A beheading could be shared with only a certain number of spectators.

The New Yorker

That content could be shared with other customers and vice versa.

The Guardian

Patents became protection of intellectual property, ensuring that inventors' ideas could be shared under licence.

The Guardian

The data could be shared with tax officials in other countries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the ability to share rather than the possibility, consider using "can be shared" instead.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "could be shared". In many cases, active voice alternatives, such as "we could share" or "they can share", are more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be shared" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the possibility or potential for something to be distributed, experienced, or used jointly. As Ludwig AI notes, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be shared" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression indicating the potential for something to be distributed or experienced jointly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse sources. While it appears most often in News & Media and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various applications. When using the phrase, be mindful of the passive voice and consider more active alternatives for greater impact. Related phrases such as "might be distributed" or "may be disseminated" can offer subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be distributed

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty; "shared" is replaced with "distributed", emphasizing allocation.

may be disseminated

Substitutes "could" with "may", similar to "might" but perhaps slightly more formal; "shared" is replaced by "disseminated", suggesting wider distribution.

can be exchanged

"Could" is replaced by "can", indicating ability rather than possibility; "shared" is replaced with "exchanged", focusing on a two-way transfer.

might be exchanged

Combines the lower certainty of "might" with the two-way transfer emphasis of "exchanged".

can be accessed

Replaces "shared" with "accessed", shifting the focus to the act of gaining entry or use, rather than distribution or common ownership.

may be accessed

Similar to "can be accessed" but with a higher degree of uncertainty.

can be disseminated

Substitutes "could" with "can", indicating ability rather than possibility; "shared" is replaced by "disseminated", suggesting wider distribution.

could be circulated

Replaces "shared" with "circulated", suggesting a movement or spread of information or items among a group.

might be circulated

Combines the lower certainty of "might" with the circulation aspect.

can be spread

Focuses on the expansive dispersal of something, similar to dissemination but potentially less formal.

FAQs

What does "could be shared" mean?

The phrase "could be shared" indicates a possibility or potential for something to be distributed, used, or experienced jointly among multiple parties.

What can I say instead of "could be shared"?

You can use alternatives like "might be distributed", "may be disseminated", or "can be exchanged" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "can be shared" or "could be shared"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "can be shared" implies ability, while "could be shared" implies possibility. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "could be shared" in a sentence?

For example, "The responsibility for this project "could be shared" between the two teams", or "Data "could be shared" with tax officials in other countries".