could be wasted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be wasted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility that something may be squandered or not utilized effectively. Example: "If we don't plan our resources carefully, time could be wasted on unnecessary tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

One obvious danger is that, when the money does get spent, more could be wasted.

The Economist

Other experts say that the lull could be a defining moment for the city -- one that could be wasted.

The New York Times

Looking further ahead, to 2050, CTI estimated $21tn worth of high-cost oil projects could be wasted.

The Guardian

But that boom could be wasted, they warn, if the government proves incapable of tackling core problems in education, power generation, land reform, infrastructure, corruption and inequality.

The New York Times

Almost $1tn of investment in new coal-fired power stations could be wasted if growing concerns about climate change and air pollution leave the plants unused, according to a new report.

The Guardian

A former head of the Energy Department's civilian radioactive waste program, Lake Barrett, said in in a telephone interview on Tuesday that the $11 million would allow completion and publication of the Safety Evaluation Report — or, he said, it could be wasted by using the money "unpacking and repacking boxes" with files from the case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

We could be wasting hundreds of billions of dollars each year.

The New York Times

So you could bang it up there, but at the same time you could be wasting a play.

The New York Times - Sports

"We would urge the government to wait on this new mine until the Alpha court case is finished, otherwise they could be wasting everyone's time.

The Guardian

"If people need to borrow only a small sum, such as £3,000, they could be wasting their money on the interest.

Independent

Driving the extra miles in search of cheaper fuel means UK petrol drivers could be wasting £8 each month and diesel drivers £21.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be wasted", ensure the context clearly identifies what is at risk of being wasted and why. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "could be wasted" without specifying what resource or opportunity is at risk. For example, instead of saying "Efforts could be wasted", specify "Research efforts could be wasted if the methodology is flawed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be wasted" functions as a passive construction indicating a possibility. It suggests that something has the potential to be squandered or used ineffectively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be wasted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for indicating the potential for resources, opportunities, or efforts to be used ineffectively or squandered. Ludwig AI identifies it as a valid and versatile phrase applicable across varied contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. When using "could be wasted", it's crucial to clearly specify what is at risk and why, avoiding vague references. Related phrases like "might be squandered" or "may be lost" offer similar nuanced ways to express potential loss. The phrase serves as a caution, prompting consideration of potential inefficiencies and encouraging proactive measures to prevent waste.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be squandered

Substitutes "wasted" with "squandered", highlighting the idea of reckless and foolish spending or loss.

might be squandered

Replaces "could be" with "might be" and "wasted" with "squandered", emphasizing the potential for misuse or foolish spending.

could be for naught

Emphasizes that efforts or resources may yield no positive result or value.

may be lost

Focuses on the potential disappearance or deprivation of something valuable.

might go to waste

Replaces "wasted" with "go to waste", which has a slightly less formal tone.

can be frittered away

Replaces "wasted" with "frittered away", suggesting a gradual and trivial squandering of resources.

can be misused

Emphasizes the improper or incorrect application of something, leading to potential negative consequences.

might be underutilized

Highlights the failure to fully exploit or make use of something available.

might be ineffective

Shifts the focus to the potential lack of desired results or impact, rather than direct waste.

may become futile

Shifts focus to the potential for something to become pointless or ineffective.

FAQs

How to use "could be wasted" in a sentence?

Use "could be wasted" to express the possibility that something valuable, such as time, money, or resources, might be used ineffectively or squandered. For example, "If we don't plan carefully, resources "could be wasted" on unnecessary expenses".

What can I say instead of "could be wasted"?

You can use alternatives like "might be squandered", "may be lost", or "might go to waste" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "could be wasted" or "might be wasted"?

Both "could be wasted" and "might be wasted" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to express. "Could" suggests a possibility, while "might" implies a slightly lower probability but very little difference.

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

"Could be wasted" expresses a potential or future possibility of something being wasted. "Is being wasted" indicates that something is currently in the process of being wasted. For example, "If we don't act now, this opportunity "could be wasted"", versus "The team's efforts "is being wasted" due to poor leadership".