could be stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be stopped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility of halting an action or process in various contexts. Example: "The project could be stopped if we do not receive the necessary funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The war could be stopped.

Stanford University

Clearly, Manchester City could be stopped.

The Guardian - Sport

Another 300 or so projects could be stopped.

The Economist

His point was that the case could be stopped.

The New York Times

Heart attacks could be stopped; cancers could be cured.

The New Yorker

Got into one scene before he could be stopped.

The New Yorker

Glucocorticoids were decreased and could be stopped as the neurologic deficits fully recovered.

Journal of Clinical Densitometry

Trains could be stopped to prevent derailments, and gas supplies could be cut to avoid fires.

The New York Times

One day the telephone rang, and before he could be stopped, the boy picked it up.

The New Yorker

Mr. Grimm said he proved that crime could be stopped without "industry-killing regulations".

The New York Times

But in June 1861 Hurlbert still hoped the war could be stopped.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be stopped", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or entity is doing the stopping. Clarity avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "could be stopped" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be stopped" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the possibility or potential for an action (being stopped) to be performed on a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be stopped" is a grammatically sound and frequently used modal passive construction that expresses the possibility of halting or preventing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, its register is generally neutral. While its meaning is clear, writers should be mindful of avoiding overuse of passive voice for more impactful writing. Alternatives include phrases like "might be halted" or "can be prevented". This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's grammatical function, communicative purpose, and common usage patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be halted

Changes the modal verb from "could" to "might", indicating a slightly lower probability.

can be prevented

Replaces the modal verb with "can" and "stopped" with "prevented", emphasizing the possibility of prevention.

may be prevented

Replaces "could" with "may" and "stopped" with "prevented", suggesting a possibility but not a certainty.

is able to be halted

Uses "is able to" instead of a modal verb to express the capability of being stopped.

has the potential to be halted

Highlights the potential or possibility of something being stopped.

is susceptible to being stopped

Indicates that something is vulnerable and can be stopped.

is liable to be stopped

Implies that something is likely or at risk of being stopped.

is subject to being stopped

Suggests that something is under the control of an action that could stop it.

is in danger of being stopped

Emphasizes the threat of something being stopped.

faces the risk of being stopped

Highlights the potential negative consequence of being stopped.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be stopped" indicates a possibility of something being halted. For example, "The war "could be stopped" if both sides agreed to negotiate".

What's a more formal alternative to "could be stopped"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "may be prevented", "can be averted", or "is susceptible to being halted".

Is "could be stopped" interchangeable with "should be stopped"?

No, "could be stopped" indicates possibility, whereas "should be stopped" expresses a recommendation or obligation. They have distinct meanings and aren't interchangeable.

What are some situations where "could be stopped" is commonly used?

"Could be stopped" is often used when discussing potential interventions or preventive measures, such as in discussions about crime, disease, or political conflict. For example: "Deforestation for cocoa "could be stopped" with better regulations".