could still be

USAGE SUMMARY

"could still be" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a fact or situation is possible or in existence, but is not as prominent or wide-spread as it was previously. For example: "Even though the number of people playing tennis has decreased in recent years, the sport could still be popular among some circles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You could still be playing.

The New York Times - Sports

There could still be hair.

The New York Times

Changes could still be made.

The New York Times

There could still be trade".

Independent

They could still be.

The New York Times - Sports

It could still be".

The New York Times

The tests could still be convincing, though.

The New York Times

But judicial review could still be employed.

The New York Times

She could still be a bill collector.

The New York Times

A house could still be protected.

The Economist

A cold snap could still be looming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could still be" to express a possibility that persists despite challenges or changes. It's helpful for conveying hope or acknowledging lingering options.

Common error

Avoid using "could still be" when the outcome is already known or highly predictable. Overusing it in such contexts can weaken your writing and make it seem less confident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could still be" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential continuation. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts, suggesting an ongoing state or a possibility that hasn't been ruled out. This aligns with Ludwig AI analysis which confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could still be" is a versatile phrase used to express ongoing possibilities or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, but also finds use in Science and Business contexts. When using "could still be", ensure that it aligns with the level of certainty in your writing and that it doesn't contradict established facts. Alternatives like "might yet be" or "may still exist" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Use this phrase when you want to suggest something remains possible despite circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially could be

Emphasizes the potential for something to exist or occur.

might yet be

Emphasizes a future possibility that remains open, conveying a sense of anticipation.

may still exist

Focuses on the continued existence of something, highlighting its persistence.

remains a possibility

Highlights that something is still possible, emphasizing uncertainty.

it is not impossible

States explicitly that something is possible by negating its impossibility.

there's a chance of

Indicates that there's a possibility or probability of something happening.

it's conceivable that

Suggests that something is imaginable or believable, though not necessarily likely.

it's not out of the question

Implies that something is possible but perhaps unlikely.

it's within the realm of possibility

Indicates that something is theoretically possible.

there remains the potential for

Highlights the remaining potential for something to happen or develop.

FAQs

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

"Could still be" indicates a possibility that persists. For example, "Even if it rains, the picnic "could still be" fun".

What are some alternatives to "could still be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "might yet be", "may still exist", or "remains a possibility".

Is "could still be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could still be" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules as a modal verb phrase.

What does "could still be" imply in a sentence?

"Could still be" implies that even with existing circumstances or potential setbacks, a specific outcome or situation remains possible.