could just be

USAGE SUMMARY

"could just be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the possibility of something being true. For example: "That strange noise outside could just be the wind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I could just be a human being.

Vice

"It could just be dumb tradition.

The New York Times

I could just be enjoying myself.

Independent

Or you could just be using Node.

The New York Times

So the decline could just be noise.

The New York Times

"It could just be the odds".

The New York Times

But both could (just) be right.

The Economist

Nothing could just be casual.

The Guardian - Books

"It could just be there.

The New Yorker

You could just be yourself".

The Guardian - Arts

I could just be gone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could just be" to introduce a tentative explanation or possibility, especially when you want to avoid sounding definitive or overly assertive.

Common error

Avoid using "could just be" repeatedly in formal documents. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound uncertain or lacking in confidence. Opt for more direct and assertive language where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could just be" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility, suggestion, or speculation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig illustrate how it introduces tentative explanations or alternative scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could just be" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or tentative explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions as a modal verb phrase that softens claims and introduces alternative scenarios. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's important to use it judiciously in formal writing to avoid sounding uncertain. Remember, "could just be" offers a subtle way to introduce possibilities and speculations without committing to a definitive statement. Examples from Ludwig showcase diverse applications, primarily in news and media. Alternatives such as "might simply be" or "it is possible that" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might simply be

Replaces "could" with "might" and "just" with "simply", both suggesting possibility but with slightly different emphasis.

may well be

Indicates a strong possibility or likelihood.

it is possible that

Expresses possibility in a more formal and explicit manner.

it's conceivable that

Similar to "it is possible that" but suggests something is imaginable or believable.

it's potentially

Focuses on the potential for something to be the case.

it's a chance it's

Highlights the element of chance or probability.

it's not impossible that

Suggests that something is possible, even if unlikely.

perhaps it is

Offers a suggestion or possibility in a less assertive way.

it may only be

Indicates a possibility while also suggesting that it might not be a significant factor.

it simply might

Suggests a simple, alternative explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "could just be" to suggest a possibility or a simple explanation for something. For example, "The delay "could just be" due to traffic."

What are some alternatives to "could just be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might simply be", "may well be", or "it is possible that", depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey. Consider alternatives such as "might simply be", "may well be", or "it is possible that".

Is "could just be" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "could just be" is often more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct or assertive language to express possibilities. Alternatives such as "it is likely that", or "it is probable that", may be more appropriate.

What does "could just be" imply about certainty?

"Could just be" suggests a low to moderate level of certainty. It indicates a possibility or a tentative explanation without strong conviction. A phrase such as "must be" expresses a higher level of certainty.