it could falter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could falter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility of something failing or not succeeding. Example: "Despite the team's hard work, the project could falter if we don't secure additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Many of our colleagues are concerned that if the commission moves only in parallel legislation that it could falter and not become law," said Doug Bereuter, Nebraska Republican who co-sponsored the proposal.

The New York Times

It could falter, lose popularity, and flame out or sell for an unremarkable sum.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Iran also has publicized any sign that the effort to block its oil sales could falter.

The New York Times

If the U.S. does not lead here, its European allies could falter as they did before.

The New Yorker

Much of that growth has been driven by exports and large infrastructure projects, but there are concerns that the economy could falter unless it changes course.

BBC

But it looks like those numbers could falter a bit, depending on the outcome of the next presidential election.

Huffington Post

But now it looks as if the bill could falter before the legislative session ends next week.

The New York Times

Some analysts said that the momentum for change could falter again, as it did under Mr. Hu, with even more risky consequences.

The New York Times

People briefed on the talks warned that the negotiations were at a sensitive stage and that it was still possible a deal could falter.

The New York Times

Last month, when DuPont reported second-quarter earnings, it also warned that third-quarter results could falter.

The New York Times

Every politician knows that voters are fickle -- Dr. Dean surely learned that lesson when his huge lead in the polls evaporated -- and it is always possible that Mr. Kerry could falter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it could falter" to express a possibility, not a certainty. It's best suited when discussing potential risks or vulnerabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "it could falter" when the outcome is already determined. Instead, use stronger phrases like "it will fail" or "it has failed" when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could falter" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or a potential outcome. The modal verb "could" indicates a degree of uncertainty, suggesting that failure is not definite but remains a plausible scenario. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it could falter" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It expresses a possibility of failure or decline, commonly used in news and media to discuss potential risks. While not overly frequent, its neutral tone makes it suitable for professional and journalistic contexts. Remember to use it when expressing uncertainty rather than a definite outcome. Consider alternatives like "it might fail" or "it may stumble" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might fail

Replaces 'could' with 'might', suggesting a slightly lower probability of failure.

it may stumble

Uses 'stumble' instead of 'falter', implying a temporary loss of balance or momentum.

it risks collapse

Emphasizes the potential for a complete breakdown or failure.

it is in danger of declining

More formal and explicitly states the risk of a downward trend.

it is susceptible to failure

Highlights the vulnerability or weakness that makes failure possible.

it is liable to weaken

Suggests a tendency to lose strength or effectiveness.

it has the potential to collapse

Focuses on the inherent possibility of a complete failure, emphasizing a latent risk.

it is prone to setbacks

Indicates a likelihood of experiencing difficulties or reversals.

it's not certain to succeed

Expresses uncertainty about a positive outcome, implying a chance of failure.

its success is not guaranteed

Similar to the previous phrase, but more emphatic in stating the lack of assurance of success.

FAQs

What does "it could falter" mean?

The phrase "it could falter" means that something has a possibility of weakening, declining, or failing. It suggests that success is not guaranteed and there are risks involved.

How to use "it could falter" in a sentence?

You can use "it could falter" to discuss the potential failure of a plan, a project, or even an economy. For example: "Despite the initial success, the project "it could falter" if funding is not secured."

What can I say instead of "it could falter"?

You can use alternatives like "it might fail", "it may stumble", or "it risks collapse" depending on the specific context and the degree of potential failure.

Which is correct, "it could falter" or "it will falter"?

"It could falter" implies a possibility, while "it will falter" suggests a certainty. The correct choice depends on whether you're expressing a potential risk or a definite outcome.