could presumably be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could presumably be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possibility or assumption about something based on available information. Example: "The results of the experiment could presumably be affected by external factors that were not controlled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The father's wandering eye could presumably be curbed by a more congenial homelife.

The New York Times

Teachers spend time and energy policing uniform when they could presumably be teaching us.

The Guardian - Opinion

There could, presumably, be no discussion of stem-cell research or Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Books

For instance, the data could presumably be subpoenaed by governments or divorce lawyers.

The New York Times

If that swap succeeded, the new bonds could presumably be honored without violating the injunction.

The New York Times

The same could presumably be said of the injury to De Allende, whom Kriel had replaced early in the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

This type of I.P.O., in addition to being more democratic, could presumably be more manageable for companies that are easier to value.

The New York Times

Illegal material had been stored on the servers of an organisation without its knowledge, from which it could presumably be downloaded by anyone who knew where to look.

The Guardian

The same could presumably be said of Chávez and Ahmadinejad, whose name most New Yorkers were no closer to pronouncing correctly by the end of the week.

The New Yorker

Though Companycommand and Platoonleader require passwords, they could presumably be hacked, and a determined enemy could learn a good deal about how officers think.

The New Yorker

(And then of course those grocery clubs would be subject to federal regulation, which could presumably be tweaked to ensure that they mostly offered foods like … broccoli).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could presumably be" when you want to suggest a logical conclusion based on available evidence, but acknowledge that it is not a certainty. It is useful in academic writing, journalism, and professional communication where nuanced assertions are required.

Common error

Avoid using "could presumably be" when you have definitive proof or evidence to support a claim. Overusing the phrase can weaken your argument by suggesting uncertainty where none exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could presumably be" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or likelihood based on an assumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a reasonable inference rather than a definitive statement. It softens claims, adding a layer of professional nuance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could presumably be" is a versatile modal phrase that effectively conveys possibility based on reasonable assumptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is frequently found in both scientific and news contexts. When using "could presumably be", remember to use it when you want to suggest a logical conclusion based on the available evidence, but acknowledge that it is not a certainty. Alternatives include "could likely be" and "might conceivably be". Be cautious not to overstate assumptions as facts and choose this phrase when you want to propose a plausible explanation or outcome without absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could reasonably be

Substitutes "presumably" with "reasonably", indicating a conclusion based on sound judgment and logic.

may reasonably be

Employs "may" and "reasonably" to express a possibility grounded in logical reasoning.

could likely be

Replaces "presumably" with "likely", suggesting a high probability but without absolute certainty.

could potentially be

Replaces "presumably" with "potentially", highlighting the inherent capacity or ability for something to occur.

might plausibly be

Employs "plausibly" rather than "presumably", emphasizing that the statement is believable or credible.

could possibly be

Uses "possibly" instead of "presumably", implying a lower degree of confidence or expectation.

might conceivably be

Uses "conceivably" instead of "presumably", implying a possibility that is within the realm of imagination or speculation, although not necessarily probable.

may well be

A more concise alternative that suggests a strong likelihood.

could theoretically be

Substitutes "presumably" with "theoretically", indicating a possibility that exists in principle or according to a particular theory.

could hypothetically be

Replaces "presumably" with "hypothetically", suggesting a situation that is assumed for the sake of argument or investigation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could presumably be" suggests a reasonable assumption based on the available evidence. For example, "The error in the calculation "could presumably be" fixed with a software update" indicates a likely solution, though not a guaranteed one.

What are some alternatives to "could presumably be"?

Alternatives include "could likely be", "might conceivably be", or "may well be", depending on the desired level of certainty and formality.

Is there a difference between "could presumably be" and "could possibly be"?

"Could presumably be" implies a logical inference based on some evidence or reasoning, while "could possibly be" simply suggests a potential, without necessarily implying any supporting evidence. "Could presumably be" suggests a higher likelihood than "could possibly be".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "could presumably be"?

The phrase "could presumably be" is suitable in contexts where you want to propose a plausible explanation or outcome without asserting it as a definite fact. It's commonly used in academic writing, news reporting, and professional communication when discussing potential scenarios or interpretations.