could only be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could only be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is the only possible outcome or solution to a situation. For example: "The solution to this problem could only be found after extensive research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It could only be Morris".

Independent

It could only be delaying the inevitable.

The New York Times

"It could only be an aberration.

The New York Times

"I thought it could only be him".

The New York Times - Sports

iTouches could only be used for music.

The New York Times

It could only be The Archers.

Independent

They could only be dramatized in poetry.

The New Yorker

could only be computed offline.

Cornell University

It could only be Fiji.

The Guardian - Sport

Santoro could only be delighted.

The New York Times - Sports

The Africans could only be free persons.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could only be", ensure that the statement is based on reasonable assumptions or evidence to avoid sounding overly assertive or speculative.

Common error

Avoid using "could only be" when there are other plausible explanations or possibilities. This phrase implies a high degree of certainty that may not always be justified, potentially weakening your argument or sounding presumptuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could only be" functions as a modal construction used to express a singular possibility or conclusion, implying that no other options are viable. Ludwig examples show its usage across different domains to indicate a unique outcome or explanation in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

22%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could only be" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a singular possibility or outcome, implying exclusivity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While "could only be" is common, it is important to avoid overstating certainty when other explanations exist. Alternatives such as "might be" or "may be" can be used to express less certainty, while "must be" or "can only be" can be employed to convey a greater degree of conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could solely be

Highlights that something is exclusively the case, more emphatic than "could only be".

could exclusively be

Similar to "could solely be", focusing on the absence of other possibilities.

can only be

Replaces "could" with "can", indicating more certainty about the exclusive possibility.

could just be

Indicates a possibility or suggestion, similar to "could only be", but with a slightly weaker emphasis on exclusivity.

might only be

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

may only be

Similar to "might only be", indicating possibility with a degree of uncertainty.

could simply be

Emphasizes the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of the possibility.

must only be

Suggests a necessity or strong likelihood, implying that no other outcome is realistically possible.

could merely be

Suggests a limited or minimal possibility.

it could be nothing but

Emphasizes that only one thing exists or is possible.

FAQs

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

"Could only be" indicates a singular possibility or outcome. For example, "Given the evidence, the explanation "could only be" a misunderstanding."

What's a less assertive alternative to "could only be"?

If you want to express less certainty, consider alternatives such as "might be", "may be", or "could possibly be".

Is there a stronger alternative to "could only be" to emphasize certainty?

If you want to express more certainty, you might use "must be", "can only be", or "has to be" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "could only be" and "could also be"?

"Could only be" suggests a single, exclusive possibility, while "could also be" indicates one possibility among multiple options. Using "could also be" broadens the range of potential outcomes.