could be submerged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be submerged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of something being placed underwater or covered by a liquid. Example: "During heavy rainfall, the low-lying areas of the city could be submerged, leading to potential flooding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Bourne proposed a completely enclosed boat that could be submerged and rowed underwater.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Better clues could be submerged in the medical records of the people who have gotten defibrillators over the decades.

The New York Times

There are fears the town could be submerged by the swollen tide pressing in on its waterlogged river dykes.

Independent

Others suggested, tongue planted in cheek, using nuclear submarines instead, since they could be submerged and would not be so unsightly.

The New York Times

An earlier version of this post misstated the amount of forestland that researchers say could be submerged in the Himalayas if proposed dams there are built.

The New York Times

His craft could be submerged by vertical propellers to a depth of 50 feet and was fitted with one of the first practical torpedo tubes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

… We said that there is a line for life determined by the minimum essential wage, and those below that line were the submerged; and that in our country there could not be "submerged"; everyone had to be "emerged".

Latin American Economic Review

Their reefs and beaches could well be submerged, in his view.

The Economist

The city of Miami, home to nearly half a million Americans, could potentially be submerged under several feet of water.

The New Yorker

Faeth fears that physical science research "could easily be submerged" in the exploration office.

Science Magazine

There may be people, boats, fires, propellers, etc., in the water below that you could hit or be submerged in.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about hypothetical scenarios involving water or other liquids, use "could be submerged" to describe the possibility of something being covered.

Common error

Avoid using "could be submerged" metaphorically when a more precise term better captures the intended meaning. For instance, instead of saying "the details could be submerged in the report", consider alternatives like "hidden", "obscured", or "overlooked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be submerged" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a possibility or potential for something to be underwater or covered by liquid. Ludwig provides many examples in its database from which to draw conclusions about its usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the modal verb phrase "could be submerged" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating the possibility of something being underwater. Ludwig AI highlights examples across news, encyclopedias and scientific sources, reflecting its use in discussing potential future scenarios, environmental impacts, and technological possibilities. When writing, it's best to use it in contexts where the potential for submersion is relevant and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts where more precise terms may be available. The phrase is versatile but carries a strong implication of being covered by a liquid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be underwater

Indicates possibility of being underwater, similar to the query but less forceful.

may be inundated

Implies being flooded or overwhelmed by water, conveying a sense of excess.

might be flooded

Suggests the possibility of being covered by floodwaters.

may be deluged

Emphasizes being overwhelmed by a large amount of water.

could be overflowed

Suggests that a container or area could have water spilling over its boundaries.

may be covered

Indicates a possibility of being generally covered, not necessarily by water.

might be immersed

Suggests being completely covered in a liquid.

could be engulfed

Conveys a sense of being completely surrounded and consumed by water or another element.

may be drowned

Implies the possibility of dying by submersion in water.

might be sunk

Typically used for objects, specifically ships, that might go below the surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be submerged" to describe the possibility of something being underwater. For example, "If sea levels rise, coastal cities "could be submerged"".

What are some alternatives to "could be submerged"?

Alternatives include "might be underwater", "may be inundated", or "could be flooded", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "might be submerged" instead of "could be submerged"?

Yes, "might be submerged" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning, indicating a possibility or uncertainty about something being underwater.

What is the difference between "could be submerged" and "is submerged"?

"Could be submerged" indicates a possibility, while "is submerged" states a current condition. For example, "The town "could be submerged" if the dam breaks", versus "The town "is submerged" due to the recent flood".