could be touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be touched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is capable of being physically contacted or affected by touch. Example: "The painting was so delicate that it could be touched only with the utmost care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But think how much more could be touched on.

The New York Times - Arts

Though he failed to stop the play, the court injunction ensured that no word of the text could be touched.

The Guardian - Books

This time, they found piles of garbage on the tracks, where they could be touched off by sparks from passing trains.

The New York Times

They were no substitute for the man, but at least they could be touched and held — and beheld — unlike my father, who was now unreachable and unable to be seen.

The New York Times

Within a day of the recipe news breaking, hundreds of thousands of food-eating squares suddenly realised that their lives too could be touched by Whittingdale's smelly free-market finger.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clark vividly brings to life the scientists who roundly rejected the significance of Carrington's discovery of solar flares, as well as those who took up his struggle to prove the notion that the Earth could be touched by influences from space.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There seem to be four possible ways: (1) the atoms could be in succession with one another, but in no way touching one another; or the atoms could be touching one another, in which case they might do so by being (2) contiguous with one another, (3) continuous with one another, or (4) interpenetrating one another.

SEP

With eight overs left, it could be touch and go.

The Guardian

Translation: The next couple of weeks could be touch-and-go as these levels are tested, and whatever the Fed decides to do (or not do) could nullify any technical significance.

Forbes

He couldn't be touched.

The New Yorker

"I just felt I couldn't be touched".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing delicate or sensitive items, use "could be touched" to emphasize the careful handling required. For example: "The artifact was so fragile it "could be touched" only by trained professionals."

Common error

Avoid using "could be touched" when you mean something that was possible in the past but is no longer. Use "could have been touched" for past possibilities, and reserve "could be touched" for current or future potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be touched" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the potential or possibility of something being physically contacted. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a capacity or permissibility for physical interaction. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in diverse contexts, from physical reach to theoretical influence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be touched" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility or potential for physical contact or influence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While it is suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's important to consider the context to ensure the appropriate tone. Alternative phrases, such as "can be touched" or "might be touched", offer subtle differences in meaning and formality. Be mindful of the tense, avoiding confusion with "could have been touched" when referring to past possibilities. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use the phrase "could be touched" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be touched

Replaces the modal verb 'could' with 'can', indicating a more direct possibility or ability.

is able to be touched

Emphasizes the ability to be touched, providing a slightly more formal tone.

might be touched

Replaces 'could' with 'might', suggesting a lower probability of being touched.

may be touched

Similar to 'might be touched', indicating possibility but with less certainty than 'can'.

is susceptible to touch

Focuses on vulnerability or openness to being touched.

is reachable

Indicates that something is within physical reach, implying it could be touched.

is within reach

Similar to 'is reachable', emphasizing proximity and the possibility of touch.

is accessible

Suggests that something is available and can be interacted with, including through touch.

is tangible

Highlights the quality of being touchable or real, emphasizing the physical nature.

is palpable

Emphasizes that something is easily perceived or felt, including through touch.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be touched" indicates that something has the potential to be physically contacted. For example, "The exhibit was behind glass, so it "could be touched".

What's a more formal alternative to "could be touched"?

Alternatives such as "is able to be touched" or "may be touched" provide a more formal tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is "could be touched" different from "can be touched"?

While both indicate possibility, "could be touched" often suggests a conditional or hypothetical scenario, whereas "can be touched" implies a more direct or general ability. Consider using "can be touched" to imply direct capability, and consider using "could be touched" for indirect situations.

When is it appropriate to use "might be touched" instead of "could be touched"?

Use "might be touched" when the possibility of being touched is less certain or likely than what "could be touched" suggests. "Might" implies a lower probability.