could nonetheless be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could nonetheless be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible or true despite other circumstances or objections. Example: "The project faced numerous challenges, but it could nonetheless be completed on time with the right resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it could, nonetheless, be pretty Big.

The New York Times

Sanders argues that they could, nonetheless, be talked into it.

The New Yorker

The Court then examines whether the Community could nonetheless be bound by it through other means.

Columbia University

It could nonetheless be argued that both seem a bit too hip for Orton's professional bumblers.

The New York Times

The report added that education for all could nonetheless be deemed a qualified success.

The Guardian

But it could nonetheless be a political success if the public can be convinced to blame the wrong people.

The New York Times

The sides were not equal, but the miners' strike could nonetheless be described as a "war" of sorts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stephen Green, chief China economist for Standard Chartered bank, suggests a major economic overhaul could nonetheless be on its way.

The Guardian

That offer came to $22 million per season, a hefty sum that could nonetheless be spun to look cheap.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Wall said the second provision would at most require the issuance of visas to people who could nonetheless still be barred at the border.

The New York Times

The cell bodies of motor neurons in Euperipatoides rowelli could nonetheless still be shifted anteriorly, as in tardigrades.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could nonetheless be" to introduce a contrasting possibility or outcome, even when initial conditions suggest otherwise. It effectively acknowledges existing challenges while highlighting potential for success or a different result.

Common error

While "nonetheless" is grammatically correct, overuse in casual writing can sound stilted. In less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "but still", "even so", or "however" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could nonetheless be" functions as a modal phrase indicating possibility or potential, often in the face of contrasting circumstances. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could nonetheless be" is a versatile and frequently used construction in English, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to introduce a possibility that exists despite contrasting circumstances. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writing. While "nonetheless" can lean towards a slightly more formal tone, the phrase remains accessible and widely applicable. When aiming for less formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "might still be" or "can still be".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might still be

Replaces "could" with "might", softening the level of certainty.

may nevertheless be

Substitutes "could" with "may" and "nonetheless" with "nevertheless", maintaining a formal tone.

can still be

Replaces "could nonetheless" with "can still", simplifying the phrase and making it more direct.

might yet be

Replaces "nonetheless be" with "yet be", creating a sense of anticipation or possibility.

is still potentially

Changes the structure to emphasize the potential aspect, adding a slight shift in focus.

can however be

Replaces "nonetheless" with "however", offering a more common and slightly less formal alternative.

is possibly still

Alters the structure to highlight the possibility, making it slightly less formal.

could however still be

Replaces "nonetheless" with "however still", creating a more explicit contrast.

may in spite of that be

Expresses contrast more explicitly, adding a more emphatic tone.

despite everything, could be

Emphasizes the contrast between existing conditions and the possibility, making it more dramatic.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could nonetheless be" is used to introduce a possibility that exists despite an existing condition or challenge. For example, "The project faced numerous setbacks, but it "could nonetheless be" completed on time."

What phrases are similar to "could nonetheless be"?

Alternatives to "could nonetheless be" include phrases like "might still be", "can still be", or "may nevertheless be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "could nonetheless be"?

While grammatically correct, "could nonetheless be" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using more conversational alternatives like "but it could still be" or "even so it could be".

What's the difference between "could nonetheless be" and "could however be"?

"Could nonetheless be" and "could however be" are very similar, both indicating a possibility despite a contrasting factor. "Nonetheless" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "however", so the choice depends on the desired tone. Both emphasize a contrast but "nonetheless" might imply a slightly stronger obstacle.