could be shown

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be shown" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use this expression when describing a potential action or outcome. For example, "The results of the experiment could be shown to be correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Barres could be shown only wherever the artist was.

The Guardian - Arts

"We cut, we spliced, we chose what could be shown.

The New York Times

Parents, teachers and friends could be shown entirely different outfits.

The New York Times

He decided the camera locations for the holes, and which holes could be shown and when.

The New York Times - Sports

He says Rutgers could start an online network in which those events could be shown live.

The New York Times - Sports

It has been shown in Budapest, and it could be shown in the Middle East.

The Guardian

Liaison teams could be shown communicating with naval and air support units.

The New York Times

A company command post could be shown trying to direct and coordinate attacks.

The New York Times

What if such a tight timetable could be shown to threaten recovery?

The Guardian - Opinion

It's really just a chain of colossal action sequences that could be shown in any order.

The Guardian - Film

Up to a full XI of players could be shown the door.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be shown", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the showing (e.g., data, evidence, results) and to whom or what it is being shown (e.g., the audience, the public, the scientific community).

Common error

Be specific about what "could be shown". Instead of "It could be shown", clarify with "The data could be shown to support the hypothesis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be shown" functions as a passive modal construction, indicating the potential for something to be demonstrated or revealed. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses a possibility or ability for something to be made visible or evident through proof or presentation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be shown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate the possibility of demonstrating or proving something, commonly appearing in formal and scientific contexts. The expression is characterized by a neutral to formal register and is utilized in different kinds of contexts. While the examples provided by Ludwig are commonly news, media and science, it's recommended to be specific and direct when using the expression "could be shown" to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be displayed

This alternative suggests a possibility of something being visually presented, similar to "could be shown".

could be presented

Focuses on the act of offering something for consideration or viewing.

can be demonstrated

This implies the ability to prove or illustrate something, focusing on the act of demonstration.

might be illustrated

This focuses on clarifying something through examples or visual aids.

may be exhibited

This suggests a formal presentation or display, often in a public setting.

can be highlighted

Emphasizes the act of drawing attention to something important or noteworthy.

can be revealed

Implies uncovering or making something known that was previously hidden.

may be evidenced

Highlights the potential for something to serve as proof or indication.

could be unveiled

This suggests a formal or ceremonial reveal of something new or significant.

might be exposed

Implies uncovering something, often something that was intentionally concealed.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be shown" is used to indicate that something has the potential to be demonstrated or proven. For example, "The effectiveness of the new treatment "could be shown" through clinical trials".

What are some alternatives to "could be shown"?

Alternatives to "could be shown" include phrases like "might be displayed", "can be demonstrated", or "may be exhibited", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "could be shown" in writing?

"Could be shown" is appropriate when you want to express the possibility of something being demonstrated or revealed through evidence or presentation. It's often used in scientific, academic, or formal contexts.

What's the difference between "could be shown" and "can be shown"?

"Could be shown" implies a possibility or potential, whereas "can be shown" suggests a greater degree of certainty or feasibility. "Can be shown" implies that the demonstration is more readily achievable or has already been demonstrated in some cases.