that could be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that could be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or potentiality regarding a situation or idea. Example: "There are many solutions to this problem, and that could be one of the most effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, that could be true.

The New Yorker

that could be costly forbs.

Forbes

that could be good.

The Economist

Anything that could be helpful.

WikiHow

That could be awkward".

Independent

That could be fascinating.

The New York Times

That could be true.

The New York Times - Sports

That could be ticklish.

The Economist

That could be next.

The New Yorker

That could be key.

Independent

"That could be justified.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that could be" when expressing a potential outcome or possibility, especially when assessing different scenarios or options. It's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions with "that could be". Opt for more direct and active phrasing to enhance clarity and conciseness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that could be" functions as a modal phrase used to express possibility, potential, or speculation. It indicates that something is not certain but is within the realm of what is achievable or true. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that could be" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce possibilities or potential explanations. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts. Its prevalence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its appropriateness for professional communication. When using this phrase, consider alternatives such as "that may be" or "that might be" to fine-tune the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that may be

Replaces "could" with "may", indicating a slightly different degree of possibility.

that might be

Substitutes "could" with "might", suggesting a similar level of uncertainty.

that is potentially

Emphasizes the potential aspect of the situation.

that is possibly

Highlights the possibility, making it more explicit.

that can be

Uses "can" to express a general possibility or capability.

that would be

Shifts to a hypothetical scenario, suggesting a conditional possibility.

it's conceivable that

Introduces a more formal tone, emphasizing the conceivability of the situation.

it's plausible that

Suggests that something is believable or likely based on the available information.

that seems to be

Conveys an assessment based on observation or inference.

it's likely that

Expresses a higher degree of probability.

FAQs

How can I use "that could be" in a sentence?

The phrase "that could be" introduces a possibility or potential explanation. For example: "The delay might cause further complications, and "that could be" a problem".

What are some alternatives to "that could be"?

Alternatives include "that may be", "that might be", or "that is potentially" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "that could be" and "that would be"?

"That could be" suggests a possibility in the present or future, while "that would be" implies a hypothetical situation or a conditional outcome. The choice depends on whether you're discussing a real possibility or a hypothetical scenario.

When is it appropriate to use "that could be" in formal writing?

The phrase "that could be" is suitable for formal writing when presenting potential scenarios or acknowledging uncertainties. It's often used in analytical or argumentative contexts to introduce possibilities, provided the overall tone remains professional.