could be tackled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be tackled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential solutions or approaches to address a problem or challenge. Example: "The issue of climate change is complex, but it could be tackled through international cooperation and innovative technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In her vivid depictions of ancient Greece, homosexuality could be tackled from a safer distance, perhaps.

Independent

That problem had to be measured before it could be tackled.

The Economist

What other problems could be tackled by people power in this way?

The Guardian

Mr. Obama acknowledged as much and said those programs could be tackled only if Republicans and Democrats worked together.

The New York Times

He said overcrowding could be tackled by charging higher fares on busier trains and lower fares on less busy ones.

The Guardian

But it seems to me that the areas that had been identified were ones that could be tackled".

The Guardian

By introducing a Care Charter, issues like inappropriate 15-minute care slots and poor quality care could be tackled.

The Guardian

But so many of our crippling social crises could be tackled with one bold but absurdly common sense idea: a council housebuilding programme.

Independent

He considered racism as a crime which could be tackled by a crime-fighter, and so was born Inspector Kurt Wallander.

Independent

Low breastfeeding rates in parts of the UK could be tackled by offering mothers up to £200 in shopping vouchers, researchers have said.

Independent

Perhaps the problem could be tackled more directly by simply attaching a label to everything saying that branding should be taken with a pinch of salt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be tackled" when you want to express the possibility of addressing a problem, challenge, or issue. It implies that a solution or approach is feasible, even if not guaranteed.

Common error

While "could be tackled" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing seem weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate to make your writing more dynamic and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be tackled" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the possibility or potential for a problem or issue to be addressed or resolved. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples where the phrase appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be tackled" is a common and grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of addressing a problem or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across a wide range of contexts. It is most frequently found in news and scientific articles, and its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While the phrase is generally well-regarded, being mindful of overusing passive voice is recommended. Alternatives such as "can be addressed" or "could be resolved" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be addressed

Similar, but may imply a more formal or planned approach.

can be addressed

Expresses the ability to deal with a problem, with slightly different nuance.

could be resolved

Suggests the potential for a solution to be found.

can be resolved

Indicates the possibility of finding a solution to a problem.

can be handled

Suggests the capacity to manage or control a situation.

can be managed

Similar to 'handled', implying control and administration of an issue.

might be addressed

Similar in meaning, but indicates a slightly lower degree of certainty.

might be resolved

Similar to "can be resolved", but with reduced conviction.

could be improved

Focuses on enhancing a situation rather than directly solving a problem.

is amenable to resolution

A more formal way of saying something can be solved.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be tackled" to suggest that a problem or issue has potential solutions. For example, "The issue of climate change "could be tackled" through international cooperation".

What are some alternatives to "could be tackled"?

Some alternatives include "can be addressed", "could be addressed", or "can be resolved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "could be tackled"?

While "could be tackled" is in the passive voice and grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct and impactful. Consider if rephrasing the sentence in the active voice improves clarity.

What is the difference between "could be tackled" and "should be tackled"?

"Could be tackled" implies that a solution is possible, while "should be tackled" suggests that addressing the issue is advisable or necessary. The former focuses on feasibility, while the latter emphasizes importance.