could come out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could come out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility of something being revealed or becoming known. Example: "If the truth about the incident were to be revealed, it could come out that several people were involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cablevision's app could come out this week.

The New York Times

"And they very well could come out".

The New York Times - Sports

Something could come out of it.

Independent

They could come out at us".

The New York Times

What good could come out of it?

The New York Times

Those fines could come out of the executives' pensions.

The New York Times

Mr. Travers could come out only on weekends.

The New Yorker

That made me feel like I could come out.

The New York Times

"You could come out and do that bravado.

The New York Times - Sports

And before the psychiatrist could come out, Duckie disappeared.

The Washington Post

Someone could come out of nowhere and surprise everybody.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could come out", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being revealed or emerging. For example, specify what information "could come out" during an investigation.

Common error

Avoid using reflexive pronouns unnecessarily after "could come out". It's incorrect to say "the truth could come out itself"; instead, simply state "the truth could come out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could come out" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potentiality. It suggests that something has the ability or likelihood to be revealed, emerge, or become known. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could come out" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate the possibility of something being revealed, published, or emerging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across different contexts. While it is most prevalent in news and media, its neutral register allows for usage in various settings, including scientific and formal communication. When using "could come out", clarity and specificity are key to ensure effective communication. Consider alternative phrases like "might emerge" or "may be revealed" for subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might emerge

Expresses a similar sense of possibility but focuses more on the act of emerging or becoming visible.

may be revealed

Shifts the focus to the act of revealing something that was previously hidden.

might be disclosed

Similar to 'may be revealed' but often used in more formal contexts, implying an official unveiling.

could be unveiled

Suggests a more formal or ceremonial revealing of something.

might surface

Implies that something hidden is becoming apparent or known, often unexpectedly.

could be discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something, implying it was previously unknown or overlooked.

may come to light

Similar to 'might surface' but often used in more serious or investigative contexts.

could become apparent

Shifts the focus to the gradual process of something becoming clear or obvious.

might materialize

Suggests the possibility of something becoming real or concrete, often after a period of planning or anticipation.

may be exposed

Implies that something is being revealed against someone's will, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

Use "could come out" to express a possibility of something being revealed, published, or emerging. For example, "New evidence "could come out" during the trial" or "The company's next product line "could come out" next year".

What are some alternatives to "could come out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "might emerge", "may be revealed", or "might surface" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the truth could come out itself"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect to include the reflexive pronoun "itself" in that sentence. The correct phrasing is "the truth "could come out"".

What's the difference between "could come out" and "might be revealed"?

"Could come out" is a more general phrase that expresses a possibility of something emerging or becoming known. "Might be revealed" is more specific, suggesting that something hidden is being uncovered or disclosed. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.