could progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the potential for advancement or development in a situation or process. Example: "If we allocate more resources, the project could progress more quickly than anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now we could progress.

The Guardian

Any two teams could progress.

The Guardian - Sport

What could progress possibly mean in a place like this?

The New York Times - Books

This could progress to a contagion across several continents that will prove difficult to contain.

The New York Times

Two lanes to her left, Jeter caught Campbell-Brown but could progress no further.

The New York Times - Sports

However, in a group with no clear favourites Besiktas could progress.

The Guardian - Sport

Start with that and we could progress to education free at the point of delivery.

The Guardian

"The best thing is if he could progress from a 5-minute guy to a 15-minute guy.

The New York Times - Sports

The Ospreys, meanwhile, could progress, but it is not guaranteed even if they win their last two games.

The Guardian - Sport

These look like two quite evenly matched teams, in the tournament's most balanced group, from which any pair could progress.

The Guardian - Sport

But football is not like rowing, in which Helen Glover could progress in four years, albeit by dint of working tremendously hard, from non-rower to Olympic gold.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could progress" to suggest a possibility or potential for advancement, rather than a certainty. This softens the statement and allows for contingencies.

Common error

Avoid using "could progress" when the outcome is already guaranteed. Opt for stronger verbs like "will" or "shall" to reflect definite actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could progress" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential or conditional action. As shown in Ludwig, it suggests that advancement or development is possible, but not definite.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could progress" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express possibility or potential for advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and general contexts. While alternatives like "might advance" and "may proceed" exist, "could progress" offers a balance between formality and accessibility. Remember to use it when the outcome is not guaranteed to maintain accuracy and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might advance

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower probability.

may proceed

Substitutes "progress" with "proceed", offering a more formal alternative.

can develop

Uses "can" instead of "could" and "develop" instead of "progress", suggesting capability.

is able to advance

Emphasizes the ability to move forward, adding a layer of capability.

has the potential to improve

Focuses on the potential for improvement, highlighting a specific type of progress.

is likely to evolve

Suggests a natural progression or evolution, implying a gradual change.

is poised to grow

Indicates readiness and anticipation for growth, adding a sense of momentum.

promises to mature

Implies a development towards maturity or completion.

is on track to succeed

Highlights the likelihood of achieving success, suggesting a planned progression.

stands to gain momentum

Focuses on the potential for increased momentum, implying forward movement.

FAQs

How can I use "could progress" in a sentence?

Use "could progress" to suggest a possibility or potential for advancement, for example: "If we secure additional funding, the project "could progress" more rapidly."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "could progress"?

You can use alternatives such as "might advance", "may proceed", or "can develop" depending on the context.

Is "could progress" formal or informal?

The phrase "could progress" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal synonyms like "may proceed" might be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "could progress" and "will progress"?

"Could progress" indicates a possibility or potential, while "will progress" suggests a higher degree of certainty. Use "could progress" when the outcome is not guaranteed.