Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
could be supported
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "could be supported" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of providing evidence or backing for a claim, argument, or idea. Example: "The theory proposed by the researchers could be supported by further experimental data."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(16)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Fishing and livestock exports could be supported.
News & Media
"New low-rise buildings could be supported on existing pilings," Mr. Lane said.
News & Media
She also offers advice on how a student displaying similar language weaknesses could be supported.
News & Media
This also could be supported by relocating money within Hackney council's budget.
News & Media
She said she believed that the team would develop a declaration against racism that could be supported by all nations.
News & Media
However, these conclusions could be supported by simulation results on the E-field stress distribution.
This facility could be supported by the data manipulation language or a subset of it.
Science
This hypothesis could be supported by results obtained for Corynebacterium glutamicum (Brockmann-Gretza and Kalinowski 2006).
Science
This could be supported by a relevant testing method which is skill-oriented.
Science
The following scenario illustrates how such applications could be supported in a virtualized networking environment.
Improved Fe availability could be supported by its significant and positive correlation with β-carotene.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "could be supported" to indicate a possibility or potential for something to be upheld, validated, or justified by evidence or assistance. This phrase is suitable when you want to express a conditional or hypothetical scenario.
Common error
While "could be supported" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider whether an active voice construction might be more impactful. For example, instead of "the project could be supported by donations", try "donations could support the project".
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "could be supported" functions as a modal verb construction expressing possibility in the passive voice. It indicates that something has the potential to receive backing, validation, or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.
Frequent in
Science
57%
News & Media
32%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Wiki
2%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "could be supported" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction that expresses the possibility of providing backing or justification. Ludwig AI confirms that is suitable for various contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in academic, news, and business-related sources. While primarily neutral to formal in tone, it is essential to consider the potential for overuse of the passive voice. Alternatives like "might be sustained" or "can be validated" can provide more precise nuances depending on the intended meaning. Its high frequency and clear utility make it a valuable phrase in formal and informal communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
might be sustained
Changes the auxiliary verb to indicate a slightly weaker possibility of being maintained or upheld.
may be upheld
Replaces "could" with "may" and "supported" with "upheld", suggesting a possibility of maintaining a decision or principle.
can be validated
Emphasizes the possibility of confirming or proving the truth of something, altering the focus from support to verification.
might be reinforced
Suggests the potential for strengthening or intensifying something, rather than simply supporting it.
can be justified
Focuses on the possibility of demonstrating that something is right or reasonable, shifting the emphasis to justification.
may be bolstered
Implies the possibility of strengthening or encouraging something, often through the addition of new evidence or support.
can be substantiated
Highlights the potential for providing evidence to prove the truth or validity of something.
might be corroborated
Indicates the possibility of confirming or supporting a statement or theory with additional evidence.
can be maintained
Focuses on the possibility of keeping something in existence or good condition, rather than providing support.
may be underwritten
Suggests the potential for providing financial backing or guaranteeing something.
FAQs
How can I use "could be supported" in a sentence?
You can use "could be supported" to suggest that something has the potential to be backed up or validated, for example, "This hypothesis "could be supported" by further research".
What are some alternatives to "could be supported"?
Alternatives include phrases like "might be sustained", "can be validated", or "may be upheld", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Is "could be support" grammatically correct?
No, "could be support" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""could be supported"", which uses the passive voice to indicate that something has the potential to receive backing or justification.
What is the difference between "could be supported" and "should be supported"?
"Could be supported" indicates a possibility or potential, whereas "should be supported" expresses a recommendation or obligation. "Could be supported" suggests something can receive backing, while "should be supported" implies it deserves or needs backing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested