could even

USAGE SUMMARY

"could even" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea of something being surprising or unexpected, even more so than what was previously mentioned. Example: "The hike to the summit was challenging, but the view from the top could even take your breath away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That could even include Microsoft.

The Economist

It could even be stronger.

The Economist

It could even be zero.

The New York Times

And it could even unravel.

The Economist

It could even improve Afghanistan.

The Economist

You could even use kedgeree.

Independent

"It could even be decades".

The New York Times

KITT could even drive itself.

The Economist

That could even be legal.

The New York Times

Death could even be fun.

Independent

You could even use langoustines.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could even" to introduce a surprising or unexpected outcome, adding emphasis to a statement. For example: "The company exceeded its sales targets and "could even" become the market leader this year."

Common error

Avoid using "could even" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. In such contexts, consider alternatives like "it is possible that" or "it is conceivable that" for a more measured tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could even" functions as a modal auxiliary verb phrase that expresses possibility, contingency, or a potential outcome. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as a common construction used to introduce an element of surprise or additional emphasis to a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could even" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a possibility that often involves an element of surprise or additional emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki content. While generally neutral in tone, it should be used judiciously in highly formal writing, where alternatives might be more suitable. To enhance clarity and avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "might possibly" or "it's even possible that" when appropriate. Remember, the phrase's primary strength lies in adding that extra layer of unexpected potential to your statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's even possible that

Emphasizes possibility and surprise, but is more verbose than "could even".

possibly could

Reorders the words for a slightly different emphasis, but retains similar meaning; however, it can sound less natural.

might possibly

Emphasizes the possibility aspect but reduces the element of surprise present in "could even".

may just

Suggests a simpler, more direct possibility without the implication of exceeding expectations.

may actually

Highlights the potential reality of a situation, somewhat downplaying the unexpected aspect compared to "could even".

could conceivably

Stresses the possibility of something being imagined or believed, rather than directly stating an unexpected development.

might go as far as to

Indicates a surprising or extreme action that could be taken, adding a stronger sense of unexpected consequence.

potentially might

Redundant phrasing that emphasizes potential, but diminishes the nuance of surprise or additional consequence.

it is not out of the question that

Formal alternative focusing on possibility while reducing the element of surprise or augmentation found in "could even".

it is possible that

A straightforward statement of possibility, lacking the added emphasis present in "could even".

FAQs

How is "could even" used in a sentence?

"Could even" is used to express a possibility, often with an element of surprise or unexpectedness. For example, "The weather is so nice, we "could even go" to the beach today."

What phrases can I use instead of "could even"?

Alternatives to "could even" include "might possibly", "may actually", or "it's even possible that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "could even" and "could also"?

"Could also" simply suggests another possibility, while "could even" introduces a possibility that is somewhat surprising, unexpected, or goes a step further. For example, "He could bring a gift, he "could also bring" flowers," vs. "He could bring a gift, he "could even" bring a diamond ring."

Is it ever incorrect to use "could even"?

While generally correct, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less professional. Consider more formal alternatives such as "it is conceivable that" or "it is not out of the question that".