could be spared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be spared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone or something being saved from a difficult situation or being allowed to avoid a burden. Example: "In times of crisis, we must consider who could be spared from additional responsibilities to ensure the team's well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now dummy's spade jack could be spared.

The New York Times

That's 10,000 people who could be spared death or disability and 10,000 families who could be spared an immense trauma.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But "Beyoncé" proved that we could be spared viral campaigns and fake leaks and Pepsi ads.

The New Yorker

Thousands of Chinese youth could be spared time in juvenile detention centers and juvenile reformatories.

The New York Times

Bishop Murphy could be spared the deposition if the archdiocese settles.

The New York Times

The SWAT team was giving them whatever food could be spared.

The New Yorker

Embassy security and construction could be spared in the wake of the consulate attack in Benghazi, Libya.

The New York Times

Followers could be spared by buying their way aboard spaceships, disguised as clouds, sent to rescue them.

Britannica

Nothing is official yet, but there are reports from Scotland that the petrochemical plant could be spared.

The Guardian - Business

A third man, Gao Junjie, received the death penalty with a two-year reprieve, meaning he could be spared execution.

The New York Times

Otherwise, I thought the world could be spared my views on gay men for at least a while".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be spared", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being avoided or exempted. For example, "Resources could be spared if we optimize the workflow."

Common error

Avoid using "could be spared" when the context implies a guaranteed outcome rather than a possibility. Incorrect: "The project will be spared further delays." Correct: "The project could be spared further delays if the team meets the deadline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be spared" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the possibility or potential for someone or something to be excused from a negative experience or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be spared" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of exemption or avoidance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse sources like news, science, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being spared and the conditions under which this occurs. While similar phrases like "might be avoided" or "could be excused" offer alternatives, "could be spared" effectively conveys the potential for relief from burdens or negative experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be avoided

This alternative focuses on the possibility of evading something undesirable.

could be excused

This suggests a formal exemption from a duty or obligation.

might be exempted

This emphasizes official release from a requirement or burden.

could be relieved of

This phrase highlights the removal of a burden or responsibility.

might be let off

This suggests a lenient avoidance of punishment or obligation.

could be dispensed with

This implies that something is unnecessary and can be omitted.

might be passed over

This suggests that something is ignored or skipped.

could be omitted

This emphasizes that something can be left out or excluded.

might be bypassed

This suggests avoiding something by going around it.

could be passed over

Suggests a more active decision to overlook or disregard something.

FAQs

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

Use "could be spared" to indicate that someone or something may be exempted from an obligation or negative experience. For instance, "The company "could be spared" financial losses with better planning."

What phrases are similar to "could be spared"?

Similar phrases include "might be avoided", "could be excused", or "might be exempted", each carrying slightly different nuances in formality and context.

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

"Could be spared" suggests a possibility or conditionality, while "can be spared" implies a certainty or existing ability. "Could" is often used when discussing potential scenarios, whereas "can" indicates current capabilities.

What does "could be spared" imply in a scientific context?

In scientific writing, "could be spared" often indicates a potential reduction in resources, treatments, or procedures based on specific findings. For example, "Patients with specific genetic markers "could be spared" unnecessary chemotherapy."