could be starters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be starters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting potential options or initial ideas for discussion or consideration. Example: "For our meeting, we could be starters by discussing the budget and project timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Bruce is as good an offensive player as there is, and St . Louisis so deep at the position that its third and fourth wide receivers could be starters on most teams.

The New York Times - Sports

"And then there's that extraordinary group of guys who clearly could be starters and actually still prefer coming off the bench.... Jamal could start anywhere, he could start here, but he prefers coming off the bench".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And there were other players on show who Irvine hinted could be Lions starters on current form, including Wales wing George North, full-back Leigh Halfpenny and England's rookie fly-half or centre Owen Farrell.

BBC

Think of interesting hobbies that could be conversation starters, like "Cards Against Humanity Champion 2015" or "Addicted to traveling in South America" or "Fan of early Battlestar Galactica".

WikiHow

As many as six players, at least three of whom were projected to be starters, could be lost from next season's team as a result of the fight.

The New York Times - Sports

Smith, who won the sixth man of the year award, could be a starter on another team.

The New York Times - Sports

Coach J Robinson believes Bauman could be a starter next year and has urged him to forget about music until he graduates.

The New York Times - Sports

I got back to the league, so my thinking was that one day I could be a starter again.

The New York Times - Sports

Rusch could be that starter, and while center fielder Jay Payton does not walk very much, he generally makes contact.

The New York Times - Sports

He was waiting for another chance to prove he could be a starter, which he was before he sprained his left ankle March 16.

The New York Times - Sports

If, as expected, they refuse to offer closer Bobby Parnell in a trade, the most likely player to be dealt could be the starter Shaun Marcum.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be starters", ensure the context clearly indicates the possibility or potential for someone or something to assume a starting role or position. It's often used in sports, business, or project management contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "could be starters" when certainty is required. This phrase indicates potential, not guaranteed outcomes. Using it inappropriately can mislead the audience about the commitment level or definiteness of the starting role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be starters" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential. As indicated by Ludwig, it suggests that individuals or items have the ability or likelihood to become starters, but it's not a certainty. Examples in Ludwig show this phrase used in sports and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be starters" is a modal phrase indicating potential or possibility, primarily used in contexts like sports and general discussions. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and suitable for expressing that someone or something has the potential to assume a starting role, without guaranteeing it. Alternatives like "might become starters" or "potential starting players" can offer similar meanings. While the phrase is versatile, be mindful of the level of certainty required in your writing, as overusing it when a definitive statement is needed might mislead your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might become starters

Emphasizes the possibility of becoming starters in the future.

may develop into starters

Highlights the development process towards becoming starters.

could evolve into starters

Focuses on the evolution and progress towards a starting position.

potential starting players

Identifies players who have the potential to be starters.

possible choices for starters

Indicates the potential selection of starters from a group.

candidates for starting roles

Refers to individuals being considered for starting positions.

viable options as starters

Suggests the availability of options to be starters.

might serve as starters

Suggests that something has the potential to serve as starters.

could function as starters

Highlights the function and purpose as starters.

may act as starters

Focuses on the action or role that they may have as starters.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be starters" to suggest a possibility or potential. For example, "These new recruits "could be starters" next season if they train hard".

What are some alternatives to "could be starters"?

Alternatives include "might become starters", "potential starting players", or "possible choices for starters".

When is it appropriate to use "could be starters"?

It's appropriate when discussing potential roles or candidates where the outcome is not yet certain. Use it when there's a chance, but not a guarantee, that someone will become a starter.

What's the difference between "could be starters" and "are starters"?

"Could be starters" indicates a possibility, while "are starters" confirms that someone or something is currently in a starting role. The former is speculative, the latter is factual.