it could be considerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could be considerable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential significance or impact of something, often in a context where you are unsure of the extent. Example: "The financial implications of the new policy are still unclear, but it could be considerable if implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's hard for insurance companies to get their hands around their potential exposure, except to know it could be considerable".

The New York Times

The extent to which execution schedules will be further disrupted by the drug shortage is not yet clear, but it could be considerable.

The New York Times

However, it could be considerable as a defect that 46 subjects discontinued, it maybe because of severe headache in our subjects who had less compliance to continue their treatment.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This recommendation was rated as high importance in terms of its potential to improve health outcomes and high feasibility because it was perceived that there could be considerable financial savings in reduced costs of complex administration and treating vitamin deficiencies.

BMJ Open

The clinical impact of the SIRRIM technique could be considerable, considering that it might become a viable surrogate to other techniques.

Academic Radiology

Though not expected to reach the proportions it reached in Japan, the economic pain in America could be considerable, some analysts warn.

The New York Times

Offering last year's model as a cheaper option has been Apple's strategy of choice in the past, but if it introduces a dedicated low-cost line, the advantages could be considerable.

TechCrunch

It's just that the benefits of such an expansion, which in some cases could be considerable, will not come for free.

Huffington Post

Quite apart from any security considerations, the economic damage to Northern Ireland from Brexit could be considerable.

The Guardian

In reality it will agree to let in a divided one, risking the wrath of Turkey.That wrath could be considerable.

The Economist

It has not said how much it might cost to pay the refunds, but the council's Conservative leader said the sum could be "considerable".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it could be considerable" when you want to express that something has the potential to be significant in size, impact, or importance, but you are not certain of the exact extent. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it could be considerable" when you have concrete data suggesting a precise value or impact. In such cases, provide specific figures rather than relying on this general expression of potential magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could be considerable" functions as an evaluative comment expressing a degree of uncertainty about a potentially large or important effect. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct phrase in written English. It suggests a possibility rather than a certainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it could be considerable" is a grammatically sound expression used to suggest that something has the potential to be significant, though the exact magnitude is not yet known. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a correct and usable part of the English language. It finds common application in contexts such as News & Media and Science, as shown by Ludwig's examples, indicating a neutral to slightly formal tone. While it is not among the most frequent phrases, its usage is clear and appropriate when expressing an uncertain but noteworthy potential impact. Related alternatives include phrases like "it might be substantial" and "it may be significant", each offering slight variations in emphasis and certainty. When using this phrase, it is best to avoid overstating certainty and instead focus on conveying the sense of a potentially significant but unconfirmed outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be substantial

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability; "substantial" emphasizes the amount or size.

it may be significant

"May" also indicates possibility, and "significant" highlights the importance or consequence.

it could prove significant

Adds a sense of future revelation or validation to the significance.

it could be noteworthy

"Noteworthy" emphasizes the deserving of attention aspect of the potential impact.

it could amount to a great deal

Replaces "considerable" with a phrase that explicitly expresses a large quantity or amount.

it could have major implications

Focuses on the potential consequences or effects of something.

it could be of consequence

Highlights the importance of something and its potential impact.

it could reach significant proportions

Implies that something has the potential to grow or expand to a notable degree.

it could engender a great response

Focuses on reaction or response which would be significantly impacted.

it could yield considerable results

Suggests that something could produce a noticeable outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it could be considerable" in a sentence?

Use "it could be considerable" to indicate that something might have a significant impact or value, though the exact amount is uncertain. For example, "The cost of repairs is still being assessed, but "it could be considerable"."

What are some alternatives to "it could be considerable"?

Alternatives include "it might be substantial", "it may be significant", or "it could be noteworthy". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey regarding the potential size or importance.

Is it more appropriate to say "it could be considerable" or "it is considerable"?

"It could be considerable" suggests uncertainty and potential, whereas "it is considerable" implies a definite and known magnitude. Use the former when assessing possibilities and the latter when stating a confirmed fact.

What does "it could be considerable" imply about the speaker's knowledge?

The phrase suggests that the speaker acknowledges a significant possibility but lacks precise details or confirmation. It indicates awareness of potential impact without full certainty.