could prove extensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could prove extensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to be large in scope or impact, often in a speculative context. Example: "The research findings could prove extensive, influencing multiple fields of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The work could prove extensive.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Given the complexity and importance of the p53 mechanism, extensive investigation into this finding could prove very interesting.

BMC Cancer

The functional significance and regulation of this event remain to be elucidated; however, RBM6-RBM5 chimeric transcripts could prove to be useful tumour differentiation markers, although more extensive expression analyses are required to confirm these observations.

BMC Genomics

For an extensive view on how far-reaching that could prove to be, check out this guest post by Michael Robertson, the former CEO of MP3.com, who laid out Apple's cloud-based media strategy going forward.

TechCrunch

There was a quite extensive discussion on this issue, and the reviewers were not sure exactly how you could prove your hypothesis.

eLife

The survey found extensive excitement among African-Americans about the prospect of Mr. Obama's candidacy, a factor that could prove important in pushing voter turnout.

The New York Times

This could prove troublesome.

The New York Times

That could prove bloody.

The Economist

They could prove tricky.

The Economist

Mistakes could prove costly.

The Economist

This could prove dangerous.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "far-reaching" or "widespread" if you want to focus on the impact or distribution rather than the sheer size or amount.

Common error

Avoid using "could prove extensive" when you need to express a known fact or a high degree of certainty. This phrase suggests a possibility, not a guaranteed outcome. Use more direct language to communicate verified information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could prove extensive" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential outcome. It suggests that something has the capacity to become large or significant in scope. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's usable when discussing the potential for something to be large in scope or impact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could prove extensive" is a grammatically sound modal verb phrase used to express the potential for something to become large in scope or impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English, although its frequency is relatively rare. It typically appears in news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "might become widespread" or "could grow to be substantial" to vary your language. Avoid overstating certainty and use direct language when discussing confirmed facts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might turn out to be extensive

Replaces "could" with "might" and uses "turn out to be" for a slightly less direct sense of possibility.

may become widespread

Shifts focus to the spread or reach of something, implying extensiveness in distribution.

might prove far-reaching

Uses "far-reaching" instead of "extensive" to emphasize the broad impact or influence.

could turn into something significant

Focuses on the potential for importance, which can imply a large scale or impact.

might evolve into something considerable

Suggests a gradual development into something large or important.

could grow to be substantial

Emphasizes the growth in size or importance, implying an extensive nature.

may well become comprehensive

Highlights the thorough and complete nature of something, similar to being extensive.

could have a broad impact

Shifts focus to the wide-ranging effect or consequence of something.

might have a significant scope

Focuses on the range or extent of something's influence or activity.

may expand considerably

Suggests a large increase in size, range, or amount.

FAQs

How can I use "could prove extensive" in a sentence?

You can use "could prove extensive" to describe the potential impact or scope of something, like "The investigation "could prove extensive", affecting multiple departments".

What are some alternatives to "could prove extensive"?

Alternatives include "might become widespread", "might prove far-reaching", or "could grow to be substantial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be extensive" the same as "could prove extensive"?

While similar, "could be extensive" suggests a present state or inherent quality, whereas "could prove extensive" implies a future outcome or demonstrated effect over time.

When is it appropriate to use "could prove extensive" instead of "is extensive"?

Use "could prove extensive" when you're discussing a potential future outcome or a yet-to-be-proven impact. Use "is extensive" when you're stating a current, confirmed fact.