that could develop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that could develop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a potential future occurrence or growth of something, often in a hypothetical or conditional context. Example: "There are several factors that could develop into significant challenges for the project if not addressed early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, as we learned from the rapid creation of networks of foreign nationals in Spain that attracted many immigrants to Spain during the housing boom, this is a phenomenon that could develop quite rapidly, regardless of future labor market developments.

IZA Journal of Migration

Those products include nonhuman mammals and human embryos in the very early stage of development, when they consist of stem cells that could develop into any sort of human tissue.

The New York Times

An intriguing idea that could develop well.

The Guardian - Tech

It makes an intriguing combination that could develop in several directions, not all equally interesting.

The New York Times

-- and a show that could develop into NBC's best comedy since "Will and Grace".

The New York Times - Arts

And we're already getting an early taste of some of the oddball partnerships that could develop.

The Economist

There are scores of nations that could develop a nuke if they wanted to.

The Economist

It appears to act on immature cells that could develop into either fat cells or muscle cells.

The New York Times

Other modifications, such as an egg that could develop on land, also emancipated the vertebrates from water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Maria said, "I just couldn't imagine he would die, even though people were very honest and up front about all the complications that could develop.

The New Yorker

Earlier this year, Sir Richard Branson launched the Virgin Earth Challenge, a hefty reward for anyone that could develop a technology to reverse global warming.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that could develop" to introduce potential consequences or future states, ensuring clarity by specifying what conditions might lead to the development.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice with "that could develop". Instead, opt for active constructions to clarify who or what is enabling the development. For example, instead of "a problem that could be developed by neglecting safety measures", use "neglecting safety measures could develop a problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that could develop" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by specifying a potential future state or outcome. It introduces a possibility or a conditional development. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that could develop" is a versatile relative clause used to express potential future outcomes or possibilities. Grammatically sound and common in both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is especially prevalent in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the conditions leading to the development are clear and consider opting for active voice where appropriate to enhance clarity. Remember, while "that could develop" indicates possibility, alternatives like "that will develop" suggest certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that might evolve

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability of development.

which may arise

Uses "may arise" to indicate a possibility of something emerging or occurring.

that has the potential to grow

Emphasizes the inherent potential for growth or expansion.

that is likely to emerge

Indicates a high probability of something coming into existence.

with the capacity to expand

Focuses on the ability or capacity to increase in size or scope.

that is susceptible to becoming

Highlights the vulnerability or predisposition towards a particular development.

that is subject to unfolding

Suggests that the development is inevitable and will gradually reveal itself.

that is apt to mature

Indicates a natural tendency towards reaching a more advanced or complete stage.

which is liable to progress

Expresses a risk or likelihood of advancing, sometimes with negative connotations.

that is inclined to transform

Highlights a predisposition toward undergoing a significant change.

FAQs

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

You can use "that could develop" to introduce potential future outcomes or possibilities. For instance, "There are several risks "that could develop" into major issues if unaddressed early."

What are some alternatives to "that could develop"?

Alternatives include "that might emerge", "which may arise", or "that has the potential to grow", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "that could develop" or "that will develop"?

"That could develop" implies a possibility, while "that will develop" suggests a certainty. Use "that could develop" when the outcome is uncertain or conditional, and "that will develop" when the outcome is assured.

What's the difference between "that could develop" and "that is developing"?

"That could develop" refers to a future possibility, while "that is developing" refers to something currently in progress. For example, "a situation "that could develop" into a crisis" versus "a situation "that is developing" rapidly".