could be the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be the case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or a hypothetical situation regarding a particular scenario or statement. Example: "While we don't have definitive proof, it could be the case that the new policy will improve employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That could be the case again.

The New York Times - Arts

If only that could be the case.

The New York Times - Sports

This could be the case.

The New York Times

That "could be the case", O'Sullivan said.

The Guardian

And there is emerging evidence that could be the case.

The Washington Post

Perhaps that could be the case here as well.

The Washington Post

That could be the case with leaders of tech companies.

Harvard Business Review

That could be the case with the calendar".

The Guardian - Sport

"We expect that could be the case here tomorrow.

The New York Times - Sports

That could be the case with Islam now.

The Economist

For instance, this could be the case of passive films formed on a lithium surface.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be the case" to introduce a possibility or a hypothetical situation, especially when you want to avoid making a definitive statement. It allows for nuance and acknowledges uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid stacking "could be the case" with other hedging phrases (e.g., "it might possibly could be the case"). This weakens your statement and makes it sound less confident. Choose stronger language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be the case" functions as an epistemic modal expression, indicating a possibility or a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It softens a statement and suggests that something is potentially true, without asserting it as a definite fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be the case" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse fields, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communications. While it's generally acceptable in various contexts, it's essential to avoid overuse and redundancy. Alternative phrases such as "might be the situation" or "possibly so" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to maintain clarity and confidence in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be the situation

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly weaker possibility.

may be the reality

Substitutes "could" with "may" and "case" with "reality", implying a possibility that aligns with actual circumstances.

it's possibly so

Uses "possibly" to convey the chance of something being true, changing the sentence structure.

that's potentially true

Emphasizes the potential for truth in a statement, using a more direct assertion.

it is conceivable

Indicates something is imaginable or believable, suggesting a degree of plausibility.

it's a plausible scenario

Highlights the scenario as reasonable and possible, focusing on the situation's believability.

it's not beyond the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is within the bounds of what is possible, though not necessarily likely.

it's a distinct possibility

Indicates a clear and noteworthy chance of something occurring, emphasizing its significance.

it's within the bounds of possibility

Suggests that something aligns with general feasibility and existing constraints.

that is within the realm of possibility

Indicates that the statement aligns to a real situation.

FAQs

How can I use "could be the case" in a sentence?

"Could be the case" is used to express a possibility or a hypothetical situation. For example, "It "could be the case" that the meeting is postponed due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "could be the case"?

Alternatives include "might be true", "may be the situation", or "possibly so". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "could be the case" formal or informal?

"Could be the case" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more precise or direct expression.

What's the difference between "could be the case" and "is the case"?

"Could be the case" indicates a possibility, while "is the case" asserts a fact. For example, "It "could be the case"" suggests uncertainty, whereas "It "is the case"" states a confirmed situation.