could be urged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be urged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that someone might be encouraged or persuaded to take a certain action. Example: "In light of the recent developments, it could be urged that the committee reconsider its decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There was also a suggestion that holders of €1bn worth of Cypriot government bonds could be urged to agree to a debt swap, reducing the country's repayments.

The Guardian - Business

Tourists could be urged to boycott Indian Ocean resorts on the Maldives following a scathing United Nations ruling condemning the illegal imprisonment of its former president, Mohamed Nasheed.

The Guardian

Mothers of school-age children, for instance, could be urged back into the workforce by changing the way child tax credits are structured, making them more generous when the child is younger than five and less generous afterwards.

The Economist

Governments still could be urged — and may even be required — to put part of the revenue toward programs like research and development for reducing emissions and encouraging renewable sources of power, the officials said.

The New York Times

Were this to happen, it is even possible that Vice-President Joe Biden could be urged to reconsider his decision not to run in 2016 – raising the uncharted prospect of Biden and Bloomberg competing to peel off disaffected moderates from Trump and Sanders and rebuilding the political centre ground with or without the support of Iowans.

The Guardian

Instead of stopping every two like they do now, putting them in second gear most of the time, it would be a better idea if they stopped every five blocks so they could be urged into high gear for a spell.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And with the balloon drop canceled, there was some question whether Clinton could ever be urged off the stage.

Huffington Post

Some even direct journalists to the fact that the former prime minister Tony Blair, a reputed friend of Mr Soros, is an adviser to the Condé regime and could also be urging him to act against Beny.

Independent

"They would have stood in their tracks and been shot down to a man by a provost-marshal's guard, but they could not have been urged up that bank.

The New York Times

Yet Apple could, and apparently is urged to, prevent others from playing nice, for no other reason than some belief that everything related to Apple should be under Apple's jurisdiction.

TechCrunch

It was a compromise verdict: the jurors had deliberated for ten days, and had twice told the judge that they could not agree, before being urged to continue until they'd reached a conclusion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be urged", consider the level of formality required. It works well in neutral and formal contexts but might sound slightly passive in informal settings. Choose a more direct verb if a stronger tone is needed.

Common error

Avoid stacking passive constructions. While "could be urged" is acceptable, using it excessively in a single sentence or paragraph can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Opt for active voice where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be urged" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility and suggestion. It indicates that someone or something might be encouraged or prompted to take a certain action. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is valid.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be urged" serves as a modal verb phrase to express possibility and suggestion, most commonly appearing in News & Media and Science. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, remember to consider the level of formality and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Alternative phrases like "might be encouraged" or "may be advised" can provide similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be encouraged

Focuses more on encouragement rather than a potential urging.

may be advised

Implies a more formal recommendation or guidance.

might be recommended

Similar to 'advised' but can also imply endorsement.

could be persuaded

Emphasizes convincing someone to take action.

might be prompted

Suggests a gentle push or stimulus.

may be compelled

Indicates a stronger influence or necessity.

could be induced

Implies convincing someone through incentives.

might be inclined

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards something.

may be influenced

Highlights the impact of external factors on a decision.

could be motivated

Implies providing a reason or incentive for action.

FAQs

What does "could be urged" mean?

The phrase "could be urged" suggests that someone might be encouraged or persuaded to do something. It indicates a possibility or suggestion, rather than a command.

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

You can use "could be urged" to express a suggestion or possibility of encouragement. For example, "The committee "could be urged" to reconsider its decision."

What are some alternatives to "could be urged"?

Some alternatives to "could be urged" include "might be encouraged", "may be advised", or "could be persuaded", depending on the context.

Is "could be urged" formal or informal?

"Could be urged" leans towards a neutral to formal tone. For informal settings, consider alternatives like "might want to consider" or "should think about".