could hypothetically be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could hypothetically be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a possibility or a theoretical situation that is not certain or guaranteed. Example: "In a different universe, time travel could hypothetically be possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

She seems unwilling to acknowledge — if this is something that she has even grasped in the first place — that there could, hypothetically, be a difference between what's good for women and what's good for her brand.

The New Yorker

She seems unwilling to acknowledge if this is something that she has even grasped in the first place that there could, hypothetically, be a difference between what's good for women and what's good for her brand.

The New Yorker

It placed new emphasis on acquiring "usable" tactical or battlefield nuclear weapons that, unlike strategic systems, could hypothetically be used in actual or potential conflicts zones such as Syria or the Baltic republics.

The Guardian

Though the court said McDonnell could hypothetically be retried with new jury instructions, the justices also clarified what an "official act" could be — in a way that might undercut that effort and efforts to charge other politicians with corruption.

The Washington Post

Still, the core function of your job could hypothetically be replaced by a machine.

Forbes

But countries like Russia know precisely where U.S. land-based missile silos and bomber bases are located, so they could hypothetically be targeted in a crisis.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is possible, nonetheless, to imagine a regional crisis in which America's freedom to support local allies would be hampered by the knowledge that its territory could, however hypothetically, be attacked with missiles.

The Economist

It's when they couldn't even hypothetically be incorrect that the problem arises.

The Guardian

This was another error in the investigation, and one that could have hypothetically been Rob's saving grace.

Vice

The second category involves genes involved in 'DNA repair and DNA replication' and could hypothetically also be linked to the iron deficiency in B36 versus N402, as many proteins involved in nucleotide excision repair and DNA replication are iron-dependent [ 43].

BMC Genomics

It could hypothetically also be considered a contender for some other awards, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, too.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could hypothetically be" when you want to introduce a possibility or a theoretical situation without asserting it as a certainty. This is especially useful in academic, scientific, or speculative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "could hypothetically be" excessively, as it can weaken your argument. If a possibility is supported by evidence, consider stating it more directly. Overuse can make your writing sound uncertain and less convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could hypothetically be" functions as a modal phrase used to express a possibility or theoretical scenario. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as exemplified in the provided sentences from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could hypothetically be" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce theoretical possibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its presence across varied sources suggests its applicability in neutral and formal contexts, notably in news, science, and media. While "could hypothetically be" adds nuance, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure it fits the intended meaning. Remember that better choices are "might conceivably be", "may theoretically be", or "potentially could be".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might conceivably be

Emphasizes the possibility, though perhaps remote, of something occurring.

may theoretically be

Focuses on the theoretical possibility, often in academic or scientific contexts.

potentially could be

Highlights the potential for something to exist or happen.

is possibly able to be

More verbose but stresses the ability for something to be in a certain state.

is perhaps able to be

Suggests uncertainty and possibility.

might imaginably be

Stresses the ability to imagine something being the case, though it may not be likely.

can be speculated to be

Highlights the speculative nature of the possibility.

can be conceived as being

More formal and suggests a mental construction or understanding.

is speculated that it might be

Adds a layer of speculation and uncertainty.

is rumored to potentially be

Focuses on the fact that something is rumored and that may happen in the future.

FAQs

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

Use "could hypothetically be" to introduce a situation that is possible in theory, though perhaps not in practice. For example: "The new drug "could hypothetically be" a cure for cancer, but more research is needed."

What are some alternatives to "could hypothetically be"?

Alternatives include "might conceivably be", "may theoretically be", or "potentially could be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "could hypothetically be"?

While both "could" and "hypothetically" indicate a possibility, using them together emphasizes the theoretical nature of the situation. While not strictly redundant, consider if both words are necessary for your intended meaning.

What is the difference between "could hypothetically be" and "is likely to be"?

"Could hypothetically be" suggests a theoretical possibility, whereas "is likely to be" indicates a higher degree of probability based on available evidence. The first is speculative, the second is predictive.