it could pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could pass" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is acceptable or could be considered valid in a certain context. Example: "The proposal was not perfect, but it could pass if we make a few adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If they wait five years down the road," Mitchell says, "it could pass them by".

Vice

If you changed its locations to South Florida, it could pass for a darker and slightly better-than-average Carl Hiaasen novel.

The New York Times - Books

It could pass next week, paving the way for its reconciliation with a House bill before passing to the president for signing into law.

The Economist

And it could pass.

The New Yorker

It could pass.

The New York Times

These days, it could pass for Dundee.

The Guardian

"Which means it could pass," she said.

The New York Times - Style

(Whether it could pass the Republican Congress is another question).

The New Yorker

It could pass quickly into law after that.

Independent

It could pass an authorization full of qualifications.

The New York Times

If they did, he said, it could pass.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it could pass" when discussing the possibility of a bill, proposal, or idea being accepted or approved, especially in political or business contexts. For example: "Despite the opposition, "it could pass" with a few key compromises."

Common error

Avoid using "it could pass" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. This phrase indicates possibility, not probability. For instance, if success is almost guaranteed, use "it will likely pass" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could pass" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential. It's used to indicate that something has a chance of being approved, accepted, or successful, but without certainty. Ludwig AI confirms this correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it could pass" is a versatile expression used to indicate a possibility or potential for something to be approved or accepted. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide array of applications, from political analyses to business forecasts. While it doesn't guarantee success, it suggests a plausible chance, making it essential for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might succeed

Focuses on the potential for success rather than mere acceptance.

it may be approved

Specifically refers to the chance of receiving approval.

it is potentially viable

Highlights the viability or feasibility aspect.

it has a chance of acceptance

Emphasizes the possibility of being accepted.

it stands a good chance

Indicates a favorable likelihood.

it is likely to be adopted

Suggests a probability of being adopted or implemented.

it could gain approval

Emphasizes the action of gaining approval.

it's within the realm of possibility

Highlights the potential, even if not highly probable.

it's not impossible for it to pass

Emphasizes the absence of impossibility, suggesting a lower probability.

it is a candidate for approval

Positions the subject as a contender for acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "it could pass" in a sentence?

Use "it could pass" to express the possibility or potential for something to be approved, accepted, or successful. For example: "The new legislation is controversial, but "it could pass" if the senators agree to the amendments".

What are some alternatives to "it could pass"?

You can use alternatives like "it might succeed", "it may be approved", or "it is potentially viable" depending on the context.

Is "it could pass" formal or informal?

"It could pass" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.

What does "it could pass" imply about the likelihood of success?

"It could pass" suggests that there is a possibility of success, but it does not guarantee it. It implies that the outcome is uncertain and depends on various factors.