could that be

USAGE SUMMARY

"could that be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express doubt and ask a rhetorical question. Example sentence: Could that be the reason why she's so upset?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

How could that be detected?

The New Yorker

How could that be so?

The New Yorker

How could that be thought offensive?

The New Yorker

But what force could that be?

The New York Times

What sort of evidence could that be?

SEP

Or could that be 'Au Revoir' ?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

You could, that is to say, lie.

The New York Times - Magazine

If Amazon could, that is.

Forbes

If they could, that is.

Johns Hopkins University

Unfortunately, that could be true.

The New Yorker

that could be costly forbs.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could that be" to introduce a question expressing uncertainty or speculation. It's effective for prompting reflection in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "could that be" in declarative statements where a simple statement of possibility would suffice. This can make your writing sound unnecessarily hesitant or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

Could that be" functions as an interrogative phrase, primarily used to pose a question expressing uncertainty, speculation, or doubt. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples showcase its role in initiating inquiry, such as "Could that be related?"

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

26%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could that be" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or speculation, most frequently found in News & Media and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal communication, but mainly leans towards informal, though careful to avoid declarative contexts where simpler phrasings might be more appropriate. Alternatives include phrases like "is it possible" or "might that be", and it is often employed to invite reflection or explore potential explanations for a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it possible that

Directly questions the possibility of something.

is there a chance that

Focuses on the probability or likelihood of an event.

is that a possibility

Emphasizes the aspect of possibility or potential.

could it possibly be

Adds emphasis to the uncertainty or surprise.

might that be the case

Formal alternative that questions whether something is true.

is that perhaps

Suggests a tentative possibility.

is it conceivable that

Highlights the conceivability or imaginability of a situation.

can that really be

Expresses disbelief or strong doubt.

would that happen to be

More formal and tentative way of asking if something is the case.

may that be

Implies a slightly more formal or archaic tone.

FAQs

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

Use "could that be" to express a question of possibility or speculation. For example, "Could that be the reason for the change?" or "Could that be it?"

What are some alternatives to "could that be"?

Alternatives include "is it possible", "might that be", or "is that a possibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "could that be" and "is that"?

"Could that be" expresses a sense of possibility or speculation, whereas "is that" is a more direct question of fact. "Could that be" implies a degree of uncertainty or wonder, while "is that" seeks confirmation.

Is it appropriate to use "could that be" in formal writing?

Yes, "could that be" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when expressing a question or speculation in a nuanced manner. However, consider whether a more direct phrasing like "is it possible that" might be more appropriate for clarity and conciseness.