could be started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a potential action that is yet to begin. For example, "The race could be started any time now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But many projects could be started immediately.

The New York Times

"This is a tradition that could be started in Britain.

Independent

Still, she warned, "The chain of infection could be started".

The New Yorker

In theory, though, it could lose that right, and a new selection process could be started.

The New York Times

On cold winter days, a car could be started from a desktop computer.

The New York Times - Tech

Maybe a crowdsourcing competition could be started to find out their names.

The New York Times

And that type of cooling could be started by paramedics in the ambulance.

The New York Times

But a garage lab could be started with a few hundred thousand dollars, he said.

The New York Times

But, given a green light and some money, a mission with the repurposed telescope could be started in 2020.

The New York Times - Science

"Black History Month is a time when a campaign could be started," Mr. Canada said, referring to February.

The New York Times

The same article reported that the government's original proposal "would have required disclosure of the chemicals 30 days before a well could be started".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be started", ensure the context clearly indicates what "could" implies—possibility, permission, or a conditional scenario. This prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "could be started" when certainty is required. "Could" indicates a possibility, not a definite action. If the action is confirmed, use "will be started" or "is going to be started" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be started" functions as a modal passive construction. The modal verb "could" expresses possibility or potential, while the passive voice indicates that the subject receives the action. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy and usability of the phrase in diverse writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be started" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses the possibility of initiating an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms this, and its prevalence across diverse sources such as news, science, and business underscores its versatility. While it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates the scope of "could" to avoid ambiguity, the phrase is a valuable tool for conveying potential or conditional actions in both formal and informal settings. The sources confirm "could be started" is used to express a potential action that is yet to begin.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be initiated

Emphasizes the potential beginning or commencement of something with a slightly more formal tone.

may be commenced

Suggests a formal start or beginning, highlighting the possibility of commencing an action or project.

can be initiated

Indicates the ability or permission to start something, focusing on the authorization aspect.

is able to begin

Focuses on the capability or readiness to start, emphasizing the availability of resources or conditions.

has the potential to start

Highlights the inherent possibility of starting, drawing attention to the existing potential.

could commence

Simplifies the phrase, removing "be" for a more direct expression of possibility.

might get underway

Suggests the start of an activity or project, often implying a more active or dynamic beginning.

can get going

Indicates the ability to begin an activity, often used in a more informal context.

could be launched

Implies a formal introduction or start, often used for products, projects, or initiatives.

may be triggered

Focuses on the activation or initiation of something by a specific event or condition.

FAQs

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

Use "could be started" to express the possibility of initiating an action or project. For instance, "The project "could be started" once funding is secured."

What phrases are similar to "could be started"?

Alternatives to "could be started" include phrases like "might be initiated", "may be commenced", or "can be initiated", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "could be start" instead of "could be started"?

No, "could be start" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""could be started"", where "started" is the past participle of the verb "start" and is used with the auxiliary verbs "could be".

What is the difference between "could be started" and "will be started"?

"Could be started" indicates a possibility or potential, while "will be started" implies a definite plan or future action. The first suggests uncertainty, while the second denotes certainty.