could be sold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be sold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the potential for something to be sold, often in hypothetical or conditional contexts. Example: "This rare painting could be sold at auction for a significant amount of money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Homes could be sold without paying off lenders.

The New York Times

"It's a location that could be sold better".

The New York Times

The drugs were seized before they could be sold.

Independent

It expanded what could be sold in a "363 sale".

The New York Times

Other assets could be sold to outside investors.

The New York Times

The rest could be sold to other consumers in Manhattan.

The New York Times

Even dead cats could be sold to furriers.

The Guardian - Books

Many said they were bringing anything that could be sold.

The Guardian

The government then agreed that oral contraceptives could be sold.

The New York Times

Analysts estimated the bank could be sold for $7 billion.

The New York Times

As if something free to everybody could be sold!

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "could be sold". It's often used when discussing potential business transactions, property sales, or the marketability of goods.

Common error

Avoid using "could be sold" when you mean "will be sold". "Could" indicates a possibility, not a definite outcome. Use stronger language if a sale is guaranteed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be sold" functions as a passive construction, indicating a potential action that might happen to a subject. This is supported by the examples Ludwig provides, where various items or assets are discussed in terms of their potential sale.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be sold" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of a future sale. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely employed, primarily in News & Media contexts. When using "could be sold", remember that it indicates a potential action, not a certainty. For scenarios requiring a more definitive statement, consider alternative phrases. Ludwig examples illustrate how context influences the best choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be sold

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of possibility.

can be sold

Uses "can" to suggest the ability or permission to sell something.

is potentially sellable

Highlights the potential for an item to be sold, focusing on its marketability.

may be disposed of

Emphasizes the act of getting rid of something, possibly through sale or other means.

is available for purchase

Focuses on the availability of an item for buying.

is on the market

Indicates that something is currently being offered for sale.

is up for sale

Similar to "is on the market", emphasizing the current offering for sale.

is eligible for sale

Highlights that something meets the requirements to be sold.

can be marketed

Focuses on the ability to promote and sell something effectively.

could be commercialized

Emphasizes the potential to develop something for commercial purposes, involving sales.

FAQs

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

Use "could be sold" to express a potential future sale, like "The company assets "could be sold" to raise capital".

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

You can use alternatives like "might be sold", "is potentially sellable", or "is available for purchase" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "could be sold" or "can be sold"?

"Could be sold" suggests a possibility, while "can be sold" implies an ability or permission to sell.

What's the difference between "could be sold" and "is going to be sold"?

"Could be sold" expresses a conditional or potential sale, whereas "is going to be sold" indicates a planned or definite future sale.