it could be found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could be found" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the possibility of locating something or when referring to information that may be available. Example: "In the library, it could be found among the historical texts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it could be found in some of the household application purposes as well.

Cornell University

So what if it could be found risible for being so grandiose?

The New York Times - Books

If these anxieties had a single point of focus, it could be found in literature.

The Guardian - Books

He and his son hid the map near the lake so it could be found easily.

The New York Times

It could be found that tightly coupling of the electrodes to the outer wall of the capillary is needed.

Electrochimica Acta

More than likely, he said, it could be found in the old Jewish cemetery at Waltham Abbey.

The New York Times - Books

My family received word last fall that my cousin's body had been found -- as much as it could be found.

The New York Times

Under the law, anyone who violates it could be found to have insulted the anthem and face criminal proceedings.

The New York Times

An action melodrama so generic it could be found in the plain-wrap section of the market.

The New York Times

While it could be found in almost every field, populations needed to be one larva in every plant before any economic impact could be measured.

Cornell University

From the statistical data analysis, it could be found that the larger thermal protrusion resulted in higher temperature rise and more residual deformation.

Tribology International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it could be found", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. For enhanced clarity, you may consider specifying the subject.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it could be found", as excessive use can make writing sound indirect and less engaging. Actively seek out opportunities to rephrase sentences in the active voice for a more direct and impactful style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could be found" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of locating or discovering something. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it could be found" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the possibility of locating or discovering something. According to Ludwig, this modal passive construction is particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. While versatile, writers should aim to reduce passive voice and avoid ambiguity. Consider it may be located or it can be detected as effective alternatives depending on the desired level of formality and certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be located

Changes the modal verb to 'may' to indicate possibility, and uses 'located' instead of 'found' for a slightly more formal tone.

it might be discovered

Replaces 'could' with 'might' to express a weaker possibility and substitutes 'found' with 'discovered' to emphasize uncovering something new.

it can be detected

Emphasizes the ability to perceive or identify something, particularly in scientific or technical contexts.

it is possible to find

Rephrases the modal construction using 'it is possible' for a more explicit statement of possibility.

it is able to be found

This alternative is more verbose but places emphasis on the ability to locate the subject.

it is searchable

This alternative explicitly indicates that something is able to be found through search, be it digital or not.

it is ascertainable

This alternative changes the focus from finding to confirming or discovering with certainty.

it potentially exists

Shifts the focus to the existence of something rather than the act of finding it.

its presence is revealed

Focuses on the revelation or uncovering of something that was previously unknown or hidden.

it is open to discovery

This alternative places more emphasis on openness and invitation to finding something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it could be found" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it may be located" or "it is possible to find". These options often suit academic or professional contexts better.

What's a more concise alternative to "it could be found"?

If brevity is desired, consider "it can be detected" or depending on context even something as short as "it is searchable" could work.

Is "it could be found" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it could be found" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "could" to express possibility in the passive voice.

What's the difference between "it could be found" and "it can be found"?

"It could be found" suggests a possibility that is somewhat less certain than "it can be found". "It can be found" implies a higher degree of certainty or ability.