could be true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a possibility or uncertainty about the truth of a statement or situation. Example: "While the theory seems plausible, it could be true that there are other factors at play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That could be true.

The New York Times - Sports

This could be true.

The New York Times

Both could be true.

The Economist

Unfortunately, that could be true.

The New Yorker

That certainly could be true.

The New York Times

It could be true.

The Guardian

That could be true about women.

The New Yorker

This time, it could be true.

The New York Times

In principle, this could be true.

The Economist

"That could be true," he concedes.

Independent

It all could be true.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "might be true" or "may be the case" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "could be true" excessively when the evidence strongly suggests a more definite conclusion. Overuse can make your writing sound indecisive and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be true" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a degree of possibility or uncertainty regarding the truth of a statement. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be true" serves as a versatile tool for expressing possibility and uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media, and scientific writing, reflecting its value in reporting and speculation. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms such as "might be true" or "possibly true" to add variety, but avoid overuse to maintain decisiveness. Remember that while the phrase is grammatically sound, clarity and context are crucial to effectively expressing possibility in any written or spoken medium.The phrase is also deemed neutral in its register and can appear in a wide variety of mediums.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be true

Uses a different modal verb ("might") to express a similar level of possibility.

may be true

Substitutes "could" with "may", another modal verb indicating possibility.

might be the case

Replaces "true" with "the case", offering a more formal alternative.

it's possibly true

Adds "possibly" to emphasize the uncertainty.

it's conceivably true

Uses "conceivably" to suggest something is imaginable or possible.

it's potentially true

Emphasizes the potential or possibility of being true.

it is perhaps true

Uses "perhaps" to soften the assertion and indicate uncertainty.

it could be the truth

Slightly changes the wording to specify "the truth".

the statement might hold

Expresses a similar idea using "hold" to mean remain valid or true.

that's a possibility

Shifts the focus to express the concept as a general possibility, rather than confirming something is true.

FAQs

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

"Could be true" is used to express possibility or uncertainty. For example: "While the evidence is compelling, it "could be true" that other factors are at play."

What's the difference between "could be true" and "might be true"?

The phrases "could be true" and "might be true" are largely interchangeable. Both express possibility, but "could" sometimes implies a slightly higher degree of uncertainty than "might".

What are some alternatives to "could be true"?

You can use alternatives like "may be true", "possibly true", or "potentially true" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "could be true"?

Yes, "could be true" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a modal verb ("could") followed by the verb "be" and an adjective ("true").