could even be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could even be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the potential of something, or to draw attention to the fact that something is possible. For example: "The impact of this change could even be far-reaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could even be stronger.

The Economist

It could even be zero.

The New York Times

That could even be legal.

The New York Times

Death could even be fun.

Independent

"It could even be decades".

The New York Times

It could even be played in groups!

The New Yorker

It could even be Mr Yushchenko.

The Economist

He could even be right about that.

The Guardian - Opinion

It could even be quite violent.

The Economist

It could even be Rubio or Cruz".

The New Yorker

It could even be a tourist destination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance persuasiveness by using "could even be" to highlight the upside potential in arguments. For instance, "Investing in renewable energy could even be more cost-effective in the long run."

Common error

Avoid using "could even be" excessively when making purely speculative claims without supporting evidence. Overuse can weaken your argument and make it sound less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could even be" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express possibility, potential, or likelihood, often with an element of surprise or unexpectedness. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's frequently found across different sources to introduce a surprising element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could even be" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express possibility, with an emphasis on surprise or unexpected potential. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and utility across diverse contexts. While generally suitable for most registers, careful consideration should be given to avoid overuse in purely speculative contexts. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "could even be" to add nuance and emphasis to their arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could actually be

Highlights the surprising or unexpected nature of the possibility.

may very well be

Suggests a higher probability or likelihood.

might also be

Emphasizes a slightly weaker possibility compared to "could even be".

can possibly be

Emphasizes the feasibility or capability of something existing or happening.

may perhaps be

Adds a touch of uncertainty, indicating a tentative possibility.

is potentially

Focuses on the inherent potential for something to happen or exist.

is a distinct possibility

Indicates that something could very well happen.

is conceivably

Implies that something is imaginable or thinkable, though not necessarily probable.

is within the realm of possibility

Highlights that something falls within the range of what's possible, without specifying the likelihood.

is not out of the question

Indicates that something is possible, even if unlikely.

FAQs

How can I use "could even be" in a sentence?

Use "could even be" to suggest a possibility or potential outcome, often one that is surprising or extends beyond initial expectations. For example, "The impact of this project "could even be" greater than we anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "could even be"?

You can use alternatives like "might also be", "may perhaps be", or "could actually be" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

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

"Could be" suggests a possibility, while ""could even be"" emphasizes that the possibility is perhaps unexpected, surprising, or of a greater extent than initially considered.

Is "could even be" appropriate for formal writing?

"Could even be" is generally suitable for most writing contexts, but in very formal or scientific writing, consider more precise alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.