it could be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could be done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility of completing a task or achieving something. Example: "With the right resources and effort, it could be done within a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it could be done".

The New York Times

But what if it could be done?

The Economist

It could be done with "Britannicas".

The New Yorker

He proved it could be done".

The New York Times

Mr. Giuliani proved it could be done.

The New York Times

Just to prove it could be done.

The New York Times

They proved it could be done".

The New York Times

York showed it could be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I knew it could be done".

The Guardian - Sport

"I knew it could be done.

The New York Times - Arts

"It could be done immediately," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it could be done" when you want to express that something is potentially achievable, but may require effort or specific conditions. It implies a degree of uncertainty or contingency.

Common error

Avoid using "it could be done" when you want to express absolute certainty. The phrase implies possibility, not guaranteed success. If you are certain, use "it can be done" or "it will be done" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could be done" functions as a statement of possibility or potential feasibility. It suggests that an action or task is not impossible but may require certain conditions, resources, or effort to accomplish. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it could be done" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys possibility or potential feasibility. Ludwig AI analysis shows it functions to encourage, express optimism, or acknowledge potential success with a degree of uncertainty. It is considered acceptable in most contexts, particularly in news and media, as indicated by the prevalence of examples from reputable sources like "The New York Times", "The Guardian", and "The New Yorker".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is achievable

Replaces "could be done" with a more formal synonym "achievable".

it is feasible

Replaces "could be done" with a more formal synonym "feasible".

it is possible

Replaces "could be done" with a more general term "possible".

it can be accomplished

Emphasizes completion and achievement using "accomplished".

it can be realized

Suggests turning an idea into reality using "realized".

it is doable

Replaces "could be done" with a more informal synonym "doable".

it is within reach

Implies that the task is not far from being completed using "within reach".

it is manageable

Suggests that the task can be controlled and handled effectively using "manageable".

it is within the realm of possibility

Adds a layer of formality and emphasizes the potential for the task to be done using "realm of possibility".

it is not out of the question

Uses a double negative to suggest possibility, softening the statement.

FAQs

What does "it could be done" mean?

The phrase "it could be done" means that something is possible to achieve or complete, although it might require effort, resources, or specific conditions. It implies a degree of possibility rather than certainty.

When should I use "it could be done" instead of "it can be done"?

Use "it could be done" when you want to emphasize the possibility of something happening under certain conditions or with effort. Use "it can be done" when you want to express a more general ability or feasibility without necessarily implying specific conditions. The phrase "it can be done" is more emphatic.

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

You can use alternatives like "it is possible", "it is achievable", or "it is feasible" depending on the context.

Is "it could've been done" grammatically correct, and how does it differ from "it could be done"?

"It could've been done" (or "it could have been done") is grammatically correct and refers to a possibility in the past that did not happen. "It could be done" refers to a possibility in the present or future.