could be surrendered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be surrendered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something may be given up or relinquished, often in legal, military, or metaphorical situations. Example: "The terms of the agreement state that any assets in dispute could be surrendered to the opposing party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He is fighting extradition to France, but could be surrendered to Paris under the terms of a European arrest warrant.

The Guardian

But for good measure, the American delegation proposed on Thursday two tests of admissibility before a citizen of any country could be surrendered for trial.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In official Soviet historiography, the city could not be surrendered because Hitler planned total destruction of its beautiful buildings – and its residents.

The Guardian - Opinion

After 9/11, the Taliban leader, Mullah Omar, assembled a council of clerics to judge his claim that Mr. bin Laden was the country's guest and could not be surrendered.

The New York Times

I could not advise Her Majesty the Queen that it should be surrendered".

Independent

"We can't be surrendering".

Los Angeles Times

The British government could have claimed it owns the Endeavour if it compensated the owner for the loss, though it could be argued its rights were surrendered when the navy sank the vessel.

The Guardian

"He was surrendered by his owners, who felt they couldn't provide the care he needed".

Huffington Post

"His passport was surrendered".

The New York Times

The weapon was surrendered.

The New York Times

On television, two men on an apartment balcony could be seen surrendering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be surrendered", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is surrendering and to whom or what they are surrendering. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "could be surrendered" with a plural subject when it should be singular, or vice-versa. Ensure the subject agrees in number with the verb to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be surrendered" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing a potential action that may occur under certain conditions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be surrendered" is a grammatically sound and commonly used modal passive construction indicating a possibility of relinquishing something under specific conditions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, reflecting its use in reporting on legal, political, or military scenarios where assets, rights, or individuals might be given up. While grammatically correct, clarity in subject and context is vital to avoid ambiguity and ensure the intended meaning is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be relinquished

Replaces "could" with "might" to soften the possibility and "surrendered" with "relinquished" to suggest a more formal giving up.

may be yielded

Substitutes "could" with "may" implying possibility and "surrendered" with "yielded" for a slightly less forceful concession.

can be ceded

Replaces "could" with "can", denoting ability, and "surrendered" with "ceded", emphasizing a formal transfer of control or territory.

might have to be given up

Emphasizes the obligation by introducing "have to" and replaces "surrendered" with "given up" for a simpler expression.

may need to be relinquished

Combines possibility with necessity, using "may need to" and substitutes "surrendered" with the more formal "relinquished".

might be forfeited

Replaces "surrendered" with "forfeited", suggesting a loss due to a rule or consequence.

can be handed over

Uses "can be" to express ability and substitutes "surrendered" with "handed over" for a more straightforward transfer.

might be turned over

Uses "turned over" instead of "surrendered", indicating a change of possession or control.

may be abandoned

Replaces "surrendered" with "abandoned", implying a complete desertion or relinquishment.

might be sacrificed

Substitutes "surrendered" with "sacrificed", highlighting the act of giving something up for a greater cause or outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be surrendered" to indicate a possibility or condition under which something might be given up. For example, "The assets "could be surrendered" if the company fails to meet its obligations".

What are some alternatives to "could be surrendered"?

Some alternatives include "might be relinquished", "may be yielded", or "can be ceded", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be surrendered" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could be surrendered" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction using the modal verb "could" and the passive form of the verb "surrender".

What's the difference between "could be surrendered" and "must be surrendered"?

"Could be surrendered" indicates a possibility or a condition under which something may be given up, while "must be surrendered" implies an obligation or requirement to give something up. For example, "The documents "could be surrendered" if requested", versus "The documents "must be surrendered" by the deadline".