could bring about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could bring about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the possible result or outcome of an action or event. For example: “If left unchecked, global warming could bring about significant changes to our environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He warned that "her act could bring about an epidemic.

The New Yorker

What other routes could bring about her downfall?

The Guardian

Possible error sources that could bring about erroneous values of NOCT are also analysed.

Renewable Energy

This condition could bring about climatic changes with serious repercussions for natural and agricultural ecosystems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The test could bring about major benefits for organ transplant patients.

The Guardian

Some believe they could bring about a split in the ruling party.

The Economist

With the right framework, they could bring about a second technology revolution that dwarfs the first.

The Economist

If this class of investor fails to take heed, 2011 could bring about yet more slaughter.

The Economist

"This game could bring about some very important social transformations," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The predicted greater frequency of frost damage due to climatic warming could bring about such changes in coming decades.

Agricultural and Forest Meteorology

At the very least, it could bring about major issues for your deals and income.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could bring about" when indicating a potential consequence or result that is not certain but possible. It's ideal for discussing scenarios, predictions, or potential impacts.

Common error

While "could bring about" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "may lead to" or "might result in" for enhanced clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could bring about" functions as a modal verb phrase. It expresses a possibility or potential for something to happen or be caused. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could bring about" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to indicate a potential outcome or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. While generally suitable for formal writing, consider more precise alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember, it suggests possibility, not certainty. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "could bring about" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might lead to

Replaces "bring about" with "lead to", focusing on the consequence of an action.

may result in

Substitutes "bring about" with "result in", emphasizing the outcome or effect.

could give rise to

Replaces "bring about" with "give rise to", suggesting origination or initiation.

could contribute to

Replaces "bring about" with "contribute to", implying a partial influence on the result.

might produce

Uses "produce" instead of "bring about", focusing on the creation of something.

can generate

Replaces "could bring about" with "can generate", focusing on the ability to create or produce.

may trigger

Substitutes "bring about" with "trigger", implying a rapid or sudden initiation.

might instigate

Replaces "bring about" with "instigate", suggesting the commencement of a process or event.

can engender

Uses "engender" instead of "bring about", highlighting the fostering or causing of a feeling or situation.

may effectuate

Substitutes "bring about" with "effectuate", emphasizing the successful completion or achievement of something.

FAQs

How can I use "could bring about" in a sentence?

Use "could bring about" to indicate a possible consequence or result of an action or event. For example, "Increased investment in renewable energy "could bring about" significant reductions in carbon emissions".

What can I say instead of "could bring about"?

You can use alternatives like "might lead to", "may result in", or "could give rise to" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "could bring about" in formal writing?

Yes, "could bring about" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but in certain academic or highly formal contexts, more precise synonyms like "may lead to" or "might produce" may be preferred.

What's the difference between "could bring about" and "will cause"?

"Could bring about" suggests a possibility, while "will cause" indicates a certainty. "Could bring about" is less definite and implies a potential outcome, whereas "will cause" asserts a guaranteed result.