could it be true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could it be true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or curiosity about the validity of a statement or situation. Example: "After hearing the rumors about the new policy, I couldn't help but wonder, could it be true?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Could it be true?

The New York Times

"True love" — could it be true?

Columbia University

Could it be true, he wonders.

The New York Times

Could it be true that romantic love, like addiction, stimulates the opioid brain system?

The New York Times

Could it be true they all died in the same instant?

The New Yorker

Could it be true that Marianne lived in the 14th century, and how did she get to the present?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Political expression could, it is true, be cartoonishly vivid.

The New York Times - Arts

But couldn't it be true that airport hubs tend to grow up around busy cities?

The New York Times - Books

I couldn't let it be true.

Los Angeles Times

Yet now, maybe, finally, possibly, could-it-be true, and could-it-be-because-of-all-of-the above, Justice Ziegler has noticed?

Huffington Post

“Could it be true?” one Beijing newspaper asked.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could it be true" to introduce a sense of wonder or skepticism, prompting the reader to question or consider a possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "could it be true" excessively in formal or academic writing. While it can effectively introduce doubt or curiosity, overuse might make your tone seem less authoritative. Instead, opt for more direct or analytical phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could it be true" functions as an interrogative expression used to introduce doubt or skepticism. It sets up a question about the validity of a statement or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could it be true" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express doubt, wonder, or skepticism about a statement or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with notable usage in Academic and Scientific writing as well. While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. Use it to introduce a sense of questioning and invite further consideration from your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it possible

Replaces 'could' with 'is', focusing on possibility rather than questioning truth.

is it conceivable

Emphasizes the possibility of something being imagined or understood.

can it really be

Adds emphasis with 'really', expressing surprise or disbelief.

is it actually the case

A more formal way of questioning the reality of a situation.

might it be the truth

More directly questions if something aligns with 'the truth'.

is there any truth to it

Shifts the focus to whether there's any factual basis.

can this be so

A more emphatic and sometimes rhetorical way of expressing disbelief.

could this really be happening

Implies a sense of disbelief and astonishment at a current event.

is this for real

A more informal way to question the authenticity of something.

is it believable

Focuses on whether something is credible or likely.

FAQs

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

Use "could it be true" to express doubt or wonder about a statement or situation. For example, "After hearing the rumors, I wondered, "could it be true"?"

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

You can use alternatives like "is it possible", "is it conceivable", or "can it really be" depending on the context.

Is "could it be true" a formal or informal expression?

"Could it be true" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and some formal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, more direct or analytical phrasing might be preferred.

How does "could it be true" differ from "is it true"?

"Could it be true" implies a sense of doubt or speculation, whereas "is it true" is a more direct inquiry. The former suggests you are considering the possibility, while the latter seeks a definitive answer.