that could be used

USAGE SUMMARY

"that could be used" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about the potential use of something or someone. It implies that the thing or person being referred to has the ability or suitability to be utilized in a certain way. Example: The new technology has many features that could be used to streamline our business processes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Legally, there's just nothing there that could be used to shut us down.

Huffington Post

A waste of resources that could be used elsewhere.

The Guardian

MC: "Elegant is a word that could be used".

The Guardian

However, there are other methods that could be used.

Forest Ecology and Management

Uncovering novel compounds from soil microbes that could be used to manage weeds.

Cornell University

MARIS is a basic molecular biology technique that could be used across several biological disciplines.

Harvard University

The preposition 'at' seems quite as definite and certain as any word that could be used.

Harvard University

Write down a pdf that could be used to sample the environment with respect to luminance.

Stanford University

5. Perhaps you do have some family help that could be used for the haying process.

Cornell University

What have we learned about plant genetics that could be used to design better transgenes?

Stanford University

"Excellent" is hardly a word that could be used to describe opening act T. F. Much.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the potential applications of a new technology or resource, use "that could be used" to clearly indicate its possible uses. For example: 'This software has features "that could be used" to improve efficiency.'

Common error

Avoid excessive passive voice constructions. While "that could be used" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound weak. Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using active voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that could be used" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by specifying a potential application or purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to describe the potential utilization of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

36%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that could be used" is a versatile relative clause that specifies the potential application of something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, making it appropriate for numerous contexts. It is frequently seen in "News & Media" and "Academia". While grammatically correct, vary sentence structure to avoid overuse of passive voice. Consider alternatives such as "that might be applied" or "that can be implemented" to add nuance and formality. This phrase is a valuable tool for describing potential uses and capabilities across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is potentially usable

Directly states the potential for something to be used, maintaining a close semantic similarity.

that might be applied

Suggests a potential application of something, differing slightly in focus from general use.

which may be employed

Replaces "could be used" with a more formal tone, emphasizing the possibility of utilization.

that can be implemented

Focuses on the practical execution or application of something.

that could be repurposed

Suggests adapting something for a new or different use.

which may be harnessed

Implies the controlled use of a resource or capability.

that could be leveraged

Suggests using something to gain an advantage or achieve a specific outcome.

that might be adopted

Implies acceptance and implementation of a method or technology.

that can be exploited

Highlights the utilization of something, potentially in a way that maximizes benefit.

which may be exercised

Focuses on the application of a right, power, or skill.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that could be used" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "which may be employed", "that might be applied", or "which may be harnessed depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "that could be used" and "that can be used"?

"That could be used" implies a possibility or potential, while "that can be used" suggests a definite ability or capability. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing potential or current usability.

How to use "that could be used" in a sentence?

You can use "that could be used" to describe the potential application of something. For example: "The data provides insights "that could be used" to improve marketing strategies."

What are some other ways to say "that could be used" in academic writing?

In academic writing, alternatives to "that could be used" include "that could be leveraged", "that can be implemented", or "that is potentially usable" to maintain a formal tone.