could discover

USAGE SUMMARY

"could discover" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a possibility or potential to find something in the future. For example: "With further research, we could discover new insights." Alternative expressions include "might find" and "may uncover."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The pigs could discover, for example, corrosion in steel pipes.

The New York Times

She was amazed at what she could discover.

The New Yorker

No doubt the keen-eyed could discover lard in the rescue package.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, if you could discover those principles, you might be able — dare I say it?

The New York Times

People who attend street fairs and parades could discover them along with neighborhood restaurants and shops.

The New York Times

"She was leaving crumbs for us to find so we could discover who she was".

The New Yorker

Things that, ideally, a visitor could discover as a happy accident.

The New York Times - Arts

At this point, I felt that there was little more I could discover about vampires.

The New Yorker

You could discover plenty more by spotting a smidge of sand on your OS map.

The Guardian - Travel

Was this telling me that I could discover beauty in ordinary things?

The Guardian

"I invited them so they could discover the reality," he said during a break in meetings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could discover" when you want to emphasize a hypothetical scenario or a potential outcome that has not yet occurred but is logically possible. It is particularly effective in scientific hypotheses and investigative journalism.

Common error

Avoid using "could discover" if you are referring to a definitive existing skill. Use "can discover" if the ability is certain and current. "Could" often implies a conditional state, such as needing more time or better tools to succeed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could discover" functions as a modal verb phrase where "could" serves as the auxiliary verb modifying the base form "discover". According to Ludwig, it is used to denote possibility, potentiality or hypothetical ability within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Informal Speech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could discover" is a robust and grammatically sound phrase used to articulate potentiality across diverse fields. Ludwig AI shows that it is a staple in scientific discourse for speculating on research outcomes and in journalism for investigating hidden truths. While it is synonymous with "might find", it carries a slightly stronger sense of latent ability. Whether you are writing a technical paper or a narrative feature, "could discover" remains a reliable choice for describing the exciting possibility of finding something new.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might find

Increases the level of uncertainty compared to the query

may uncover

More formal and suggests revealing something previously hidden

could reveal

Focuses on the information becoming visible or known

could identify

Suggests a more precise or technical recognition of a specific thing

can detect

Changes the nuance from possibility to current capability

could encounter

Suggests finding something by chance or experience

might stumble upon

Informal and emphasizes the accidental nature of the find

could pinpoint

Implies locating something with high accuracy

could unearth

Used metaphorically for finding lost info or literally for excavation

could learn

Shifts the focus from the act of finding to the acquisition of knowledge

FAQs

What is the difference between "could discover" and "might discover"?

While both express possibility, "could discover" often suggests a latent ability or a logical potential, whereas "might discover" is typically more tentative and speculative regarding the likelihood of the event.

Can I use "could discover" in formal writing?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for formal contexts. You can use alternatives like "could identify" or "may uncover" to vary your vocabulary in academic or professional reports.

Is "could discover" more common than "can discover"?

It depends on the context. "Could discover" is more common in investigative or future-looking statements, while "can discover" is used to describe current features or user capabilities.

How to use "could discover" in a scientific context?

In science, it is used to describe the potential reach of a new method. For example: "Using this telescope, researchers "could discover" new exoplanets in the habitable zone".