could be withdrawn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be withdrawn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something may be retracted, removed, or taken back, such as in legal, financial, or general discussions. Example: "The offer could be withdrawn if the terms are not met by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Monday 7am Building society Nationwide, which sponsors the England team, warns its backing could be withdrawn.

The Guardian - Sport

Many, if not most, of the early layoff notices could be withdrawn by June, officials said.

The New York Times

There was a threat that the theatre's patent could be withdrawn or not renewed.

The New Yorker

New bearer cheques could be withdrawn against what had been deposited, subject to strict ceilings.

The Economist

The medication could be withdrawn if no effect is eventually discerned.

The New York Times

A spokeswoman, Mady Chabrier, said that the filing could be withdrawn if a debt restructuring agreement was reached.

The New York Times

LANE: You say that nothing in that picture could be withdrawn, could be deleted, without materially damaging the picture?

The New Yorker

Asked if American forces could be withdrawn in fewer than 12 months, General McNeill said it was conceivable but unlikely.

The New York Times

Loïc Rémy's wife is due to give birth and he could be withdrawn late from the squad.

The Guardian - Sport

The weather data and global positioning systems that guide them are supplied by America and their use could be withdrawn.

Independent

As the pressure dropped, the case contracted slightly and could be withdrawn when the breechblock was opened.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be withdrawn" when indicating a possibility or condition under which something might be retracted or removed. For instance, "The offer could be withdrawn if the terms are not met."

Common error

While "could be withdrawn" is grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice can make writing seem weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice when appropriate for more direct communication: "They could withdraw the offer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be withdrawn" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility that something may be retracted or removed. It uses the modal verb 'could' to express possibility and the passive voice to show that the subject receives the action. As noted by Ludwig, it is a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be withdrawn" is a versatile and frequently used expression that denotes a conditional possibility of something being retracted or removed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. Its function is to express a potential consequence, and while it's generally neutral in register, context influences its formality. Be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active constructions for more direct communication. When you want to say that something is not guaranteed and depends on certain conditions you can always rely on "could be withdrawn".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be taken back

A more straightforward and less formal way of saying something could be withdrawn.

might be retracted

This suggests a possibility of being formally taken back, similar to "could be withdrawn" but perhaps more formal.

may be revoked

Implies a formal cancellation or annulment, often in legal or official contexts. It's more decisive than "could be withdrawn".

can be rescinded

Suggests the act of officially revoking or cancelling a decision or agreement. It's quite formal and definitive.

might be cancelled

Indicates a plan or event may be called off. Less formal than "revoked" or "rescinded".

could be repealed

Specifically refers to the cancellation of a law or regulation.

may be invalidated

Suggests something, like a contract or claim, might lose its legal force or validity.

can be nullified

Implies making something void or without legal effect, often in formal or legal contexts.

might be reversed

Indicates a decision or process could be overturned or undone.

may be called back

Suggests something is being recalled or retrieved, like a product or an ambassador.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be withdrawn" to indicate a conditional possibility of something being taken back or removed. For example, "The funding "could be withdrawn" if the project fails to meet its objectives."

What are some alternatives to "could be withdrawn"?

Alternatives include "may be revoked", "can be rescinded", or "might be cancelled", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Which is correct, "could be withdrawn" or "can be withdrawn"?

Both "could be withdrawn" and "can be withdrawn" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Could" suggests a possibility or condition, while "can" implies a general ability or permission. The choice depends on the intended nuance.

What does "could be withdrawn" imply?

The phrase "could be withdrawn" implies that something is not guaranteed and is subject to being taken back or removed under certain circumstances. It indicates a conditional or potential action rather than a definite one.