these could be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "these could be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting possibilities or potential options in a given context. Example: "These could be the solutions we need to address the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These could be expanded.

The New York Times

These could be huge.

The Economist

But these could be next.

The Economist

These could be dramatic.

Cornell University

Any of these could be dismal.

The Economist

These could be warning symptoms of stroke.

Harvard University

These could be harder to outsource.

The Guardian

These could be Lawyers of the Caribbean.

The Guardian - Film

These could be "dramatic" the letter said.

The Guardian

Entitlement funding ensured these could be offered".

The Guardian

These could be matched with unidentified remains.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these could be" to introduce potential options or possibilities, ensuring the context clearly indicates the items being referred to.

Common error

Avoid using "these could be" without clearly establishing what "these" refers to. Ensure the antecedent is obvious to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these could be" functions as a modal phrase used to express possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI indicates, it introduces options or suggestions with a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "these could be" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce possibilities or potential options. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is very common and applicable across a wide array of contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. While the phrase is commonly used, it's crucial to ensure the antecedent of "these" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "these may be" and "these might be", offering subtle variations in the degree of possibility. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively leverage "these could be" to enhance clarity and convey nuanced meanings in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these may be

Replaces "could" with "may", indicating a slightly weaker possibility.

these might be

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

these are possibly

Adds "possibly" to indicate a degree of uncertainty, similar to "could be".

these are potentially

Emphasizes the potential nature of the items being referred to.

these can be

Uses "can" instead of "could", implying more certainty or ability.

these have the potential to be

Elaborates on the potential, making the sentence more descriptive.

these would be

Employs "would" instead of "could", indicating a conditional or hypothetical situation.

these are expected to be

Suggests anticipation or expectation rather than mere possibility.

these are liable to be

Implies a higher probability or likelihood of something happening.

these will be

Replaces "could" with "will", expressing a higher degree of certainty or a prediction.

FAQs

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

Use "these could be" to introduce possibilities or potential options. For example, "These could be the solutions we need to address the issue at hand."

What can I say instead of "these could be"?

You can use alternatives like "these may be", "these might be", or "these can be" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "these could be" or "these would be"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. "These could be" suggests a possibility, while "these would be" implies a conditional or hypothetical situation.

What's the difference between "these could be" and "these will be"?

"These could be" indicates a possibility, whereas "these will be" expresses a higher degree of certainty or a prediction.