stand to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand to be" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express the potential or likelihood of something happening. Example: "If you don't study for the exam, you stand to be unprepared and fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He couldn't stand to be contradicted.

The New Yorker

We can stand to be discomfited.

The New York Times

"I stand to be educated," he said.

The New Yorker

It could stand to be funnier, though.

The New York Times - Arts

I couldn't stand to be treated differently".

The New York Times - Sports

He couldn't stand to be in Paris.

The New Yorker

But I couldn't stand to be loved.

The New Yorker

I could not stand to be normal.

The Guardian - Books

Both phones' ringers could stand to be louder.

The New York Times - Tech

At the same time, he can't stand to be alone.

The New Yorker

Some military contractors could also stand to be squeezed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand to be" to express a realistic possibility or likely outcome based on current circumstances. For example, "Companies that invest in renewable energy now stand to be leaders in the future market."

Common error

Avoid using "stand to be" when referring to guaranteed or certain outcomes. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or potential, not a definite result. For example, it's incorrect to say, "If you complete this task, you stand to be finished," because completion is assured.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand to be" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a degree of probability or potentiality. It suggests that something is likely to happen or be the case, based on the circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stand to be" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the probability or potential of something occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for objective reporting. While it's best used to indicate likely outcomes, avoid using it for guaranteed results. Consider alternatives such as "are likely to be" or "have the potential to be" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are likely to be

Emphasizes probability using an adjective phrase instead of a verb.

are poised to be

Suggests readiness and imminent possibility.

have the potential to be

Highlights the inherent capacity for a certain outcome.

could potentially be

Combines possibility with a sense of potential.

may well be

Indicates a strong possibility or expectation.

can be expected to be

Focuses on anticipation and reasonable prediction.

are in a position to be

Highlights the circumstantial advantage leading to a possible outcome.

are liable to be

Suggests a tendency or predisposition toward a certain result.

are apt to be

Implies a natural inclination or suitability.

run the risk of being

Focuses on the potential negative consequences or dangers involved.

FAQs

How can I use "stand to be" in a sentence?

Use "stand to be" to indicate a potential outcome or possibility. For example, "If the company invests in research and development, it stand to be a leader in the industry."

What does "stand to be" mean?

The phrase "stand to be" means to have a good chance of being something or of having something happen to you. It indicates a reasonable expectation based on current circumstances.

What can I say instead of "stand to be"?

You can use alternatives like "are likely to be", "are poised to be", or "have the potential to be" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "standing to be" instead of "stand to be"?

No, "standing to be" is not a grammatically correct substitute for "stand to be" in most contexts. "Stand to be" is an idiom that expresses potential or likelihood. While "standing" can be used as a gerund or participle, it doesn't convey the same idiomatic meaning.