could have benefited from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could have benefited from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something would have gained an advantage or improvement from a particular experience or resource. Example: "The project could have benefited from additional funding to enhance its outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could have benefited from a color tastier than cardamom.

The New York Times

I certainly believe I could have benefited from disability status.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those famous novels could have benefited from an analytical eye.

The New York Times - Books

His music could have benefited from bumping up against audiences.

The New York Times - Arts

His book could have benefited from a strong editor.

The New York Times - Books

It's a film that could have benefited from taking itself just a bit more seriously.

Independent

Some passages are overly dense, and could have benefited from better editing.

The Economist

The so-so New York cheesecake could have benefited from some of that creaminess.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, this was the season that could have benefited from Mr. Cowell's acid tongue the most.

The New York Times - Arts

They're all looking for an injection of youthful vitality – something the film could have benefited from.

Independent

It could have benefited from a year or two spent working on a pilot.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could have benefited from" to suggest a missed opportunity or potential improvement in a situation. It implies that a positive outcome was possible but not realized.

Common error

Avoid using "could have benefited from" when referring to present or future scenarios. It strictly refers to past possibilities. For present/future scenarios, use "could benefit from".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could have benefited from" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a hypothetical past possibility. It suggests that a different action or circumstance in the past could have led to a more favorable outcome. This construction is often used to evaluate past situations and identify potential areas for improvement, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could have benefited from" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express hypothetical past possibilities and suggest potential improvements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across varied contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal settings. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, its complexity lends itself more to professional discussions. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "could have benefited from" to provide insightful and constructive analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would have improved with

Emphasizes the element of enhancement or betterment that a particular thing would have experienced.

would have gained from

Highlights the aspect of acquisition or attainment as a result of a certain action or provision.

would have profited by

Focuses on the financial or advantageous aspect that would have resulted.

might have capitalized on

Stresses the idea of seizing an opportunity and maximizing gains.

could have exploited for advantage

Suggests using a resource or situation strategically for a favorable outcome.

would have advanced due to

Indicates progress or forward movement that would have been facilitated by something.

would have flourished under

Implies that a thing or person would have thrived or prospered in a specific condition.

would have excelled with

Highlights the aspect of superiority or outstanding performance that would have occurred.

would have prospered through

Shows that success or wealth would have been attained by using or experiencing something.

might have leveraged

Suggests using a resource effectively to gain a competitive edge or strategic advantage.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could have benefited from" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "would have gained from" or "would have improved with". These alternatives offer a similar meaning while maintaining a higher level of formality.

What's the difference between "could have benefited from" and "could benefit from"?

"Could have benefited from" refers to a past situation where something would have been advantageous. "Could benefit from" refers to a present or future situation where something would be helpful. For example: "The project "could have benefited from" additional funding last year" versus "The project "could benefit from" additional funding this year".

Is it correct to say "could had benefited from" instead of "could have benefited from"?

No, "could had benefited from" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "could have benefited from", using "have" as the auxiliary verb to form the perfect tense.

What are some situations where using "could have benefited from" is appropriate?

This phrase is appropriate when discussing past events or decisions that might have yielded better results if different actions were taken. For instance, "The company "could have benefited from" a more proactive marketing strategy".