could come about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could come about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility or potential for something to happen or occur. Example: "If we implement these changes, a significant improvement in productivity could come about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could come about through either coordinated state action or a state-federal effort.

The New York Times

But there are also fears a conflict could come about by accident.

The New York Times

War could come about through intervention by Mao Tze-tung in Indo-China or Korea.

The New Yorker

They are singularly inapplicable because the enterprise itself could come about only through an amazing development of man's scientific capabilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I think we need to prepare for the time when conflict in space could come about," Mr. Thornberry said.

The New York Times

While spelling out a readiness to accept Palestinian statehood, Mr. Barak cautioned that it could come about only through negotiations.

The New York Times

When asked how it could come about, Asomugha paused, smiled and said, "I know a few people".

The New York Times - Sports

So regulation could come about in order to enforce the competitive equilibrium to allow for perfect competition, so we assumed that already.

Yale University

The Soviets again called for a unified, neutral Germany, while the West insisted that it could come about only through free elections.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the Frankfurt school did not believe that this reform of consciousness could come about simply by changing the socio-economic base of capitalist society.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Charles Vacanti's group believed this connection might not have to be made directly but could come about on its own.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could come about" to express a plausible but not certain outcome. It's suitable when discussing potential scenarios or developments.

Common error

Avoid using "could come about" excessively in passive constructions, as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Opt for more active verbs where appropriate to strengthen your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could come about" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that a particular event or situation is feasible but not certain. Ludwig shows it used in contexts ranging from news reports to scientific papers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could come about" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility or potential for something to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and sees frequent use across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, writers should consider more formal alternatives for highly specialized contexts. Remember to use this phrase to introduce plausible outcomes and avoid overusing it in passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might happen

More informal and direct.

may occur

Slightly more formal than "might happen".

can arise

Emphasizes the emergence of something.

could materialize

Suggests something becoming real or concrete.

could transpire

Implies an event unfolding or becoming known.

could take place

Neutral and general term for an event happening.

could befall

Often used for undesirable events or outcomes.

could be triggered

Suggests an action or event initiating something.

could be generated

Focuses on the creation or production of something.

could be developed

Implies a process of growth or evolution.

FAQs

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

Use "could come about" to indicate a possible outcome or development. For example, "A breakthrough in negotiations "could come about" if both parties are willing to compromise."

What are some alternatives to "could come about"?

Alternatives include "might happen", "may occur", or "can arise", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "could come about" formal or informal?

"Could come about" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "may occur" might be preferable in strictly academic or professional writing.

Which is correct, "could come about" or "could of come about"?

"Could come about" is correct. "Could of come about" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "could have come about", which is a more verbose alternative.