could it be that

USAGE SUMMARY

"could it be that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a way of introducing a possibility and can be used when making a suggestion or asking a rhetorical question. For example: "Could it be that the solution to our problem is simpler than we think?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could it be that simple?

The New York Times

Could it be that small a world?

The New Yorker

"Could it be that Dachau?" I wondered.

The New York Times

Could it be that Castro was mortal?

The Guardian

Could it be that knowledge is overrated?

Harvard Business Review

Could it be that methane-farting Martians are responsible?

MIT Technology Review

Could it be that smashing masterpieces is never interesting?

The Guardian - Arts

Could it be that biophotons help to synchronise the brain?

MIT Technology Review

Could it be that cortisol calms fears?

Science Magazine

Could it be that easy?

HuffPost

Could it be that hell has frozen over?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could it be that" to introduce a question or suggestion, especially when you want to express surprise or skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "could it be that" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more direct and assertive phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could it be that" functions as an introductory interrogative phrase. It serves to introduce a question that suggests a possibility, often with an element of surprise or skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests it's often used to introduce a possibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could it be that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction to introduce a question expressing a possibility, often tinged with surprise or skepticism. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a useful tool for suggesting alternatives or expressing doubt. It is most frequently used in News & Media contexts, indicating a neutral register. While it's a versatile phrase, it should be used judiciously in more formal writing to maintain a professional tone. For more formal situation, you can use "is it possible that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it possible that

Focuses on possibility rather than an inquisitive tone.

is it conceivable that

Implies a higher degree of doubt or disbelief.

might it be that

More formal and emphasizes uncertainty.

is there a chance that

Directly asks about the probability of something.

can it be that

Slightly less formal and more direct.

is it the case that

More formal and emphasizes the factual nature of the inquiry.

would it be possible that

More polite and indirect.

could it happen that

Focuses on the occurrence of an event.

may it be that

Expresses a weaker possibility or hope.

is it imaginable that

Questions the ability to envision something.

FAQs

How can I use "could it be that" in a sentence?

Use "could it be that" to introduce a question expressing doubt or a surprising possibility. For example, "Could it be that we've been looking at this problem the wrong way?"

What are some alternatives to "could it be that"?

Alternatives include "is it possible that", "might it be that", or "is there a chance that" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "could it be that" formal or informal?

"Could it be that" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for most conversational contexts but may be less appropriate for very formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "is it possible that" in formal situations.

What's the difference between "could it be that" and "is it possible that"?

While both phrases introduce a possibility, "could it be that" often carries a sense of surprise or disbelief. "Is it possible that" is a more neutral way to inquire about a potential situation, lacking the subtle implication of surprise often found in "could it be that".