could turn out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could turn out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the possibility of a certain outcome or result in the future. Example: "The project could turn out to be more successful than we initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It could turn out incorrect.

The New York Times - Sports

It could turn out worse.

The Economist

It could turn out correct.

The New York Times - Sports

Things could turn out that way.

The Economist

You could turn out to be anybody.

The New York Times - Books

The Rieslings could turn out even better.

The New York Times - Food

It could turn out to be worse.

The New York Times

He doesn't explain how that could turn out.

The New York Times

It could turn out to be just that.

Independent

Time's arrow could turn out to be a boomerang.

Independent

" 'Chicago Fire' could turn out to be a hit.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could turn out" to express uncertainty about future outcomes, especially when evaluating plans, projects, or predictions.

Common error

Avoid using "could turn out" in every sentence expressing uncertainty. Vary your language with alternatives like "may happen", "might result", or "could become" to keep your writing engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could turn out" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It suggests that something has the potential to develop or result in a certain way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could turn out" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of a certain outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its presence in various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science. When writing, remember that while it is generally safe to use, varying your language with synonyms such as "might result" or "could become" can enhance the overall quality of your writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase without specific context. The phrase is prevalent in reputable sources, indicating its appropriateness for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might result

Focuses on the consequence or outcome that is likely to occur, shifting the emphasis from a general possibility to a specific result.

may happen

Replaces the phrasal verb with a simpler alternative, making the sentence more straightforward but potentially less nuanced.

could eventuate

Introduces a more formal or technical term for something that might occur, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

might evolve

Suggests a gradual change or development into a certain state, rather than a sudden or immediate result.

could materialize

Emphasizes the realization or actualization of something that was previously just a possibility or idea.

may transpire

Implies that something might occur, often unexpectedly or without being noticed until it has already happened.

might prove to be

Highlights the eventual demonstration or confirmation of something's true nature or quality.

could come to pass

Introduces a somewhat archaic or literary expression for something that might occur.

might pan out

Uses an idiom to indicate whether something will be successful or turn out well, adding a more informal tone.

could become

Focuses on the transformation or change into a specific state or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "could turn out" in a sentence?

"Could turn out" is used to express a possibility or potential outcome. For example, "The experiment "could turn out" to be a success" or "The weather "could turn out" better than expected."

What can I say instead of "could turn out"?

You can use alternatives like "might result", "may happen", or "could become" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "could turn out" or "could be turning out"?

"Could turn out" is generally preferred for expressing a potential future outcome. "Could be turning out" implies a continuous process, which is less common but can be correct in specific contexts describing an ongoing development.

What's the difference between "could turn out" and "might turn out"?

The difference between ""could turn out"" and "might turn out" is subtle. Both express possibility, but "could" sometimes suggests a slightly higher probability than "might". In most cases, they are interchangeable.