they could even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they could even" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the possibility of something happening, often in a surprising or unexpected way. Example: "They could even win the championship if they keep playing like this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They could even be twins.

Harvard University

They could even offer better ideas.

The New York Times

And they could even switch the protagonist.

Independent

They could even bring several parties together.

The Economist

They could even be fun.

The New Yorker

They could even get personalized coaching.

Harvard Business Review

If, that is, they could even choose.

The Guardian - Sport

They could even be a former employee".

The Guardian

And they could even play England.

The Guardian - Sport

"Maybe they could even go outside".

The New York Times - Tech

They could even carry their constituents.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "they could even", ensure that the subject (they) is clearly defined within the context to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they could even" when the outcome is highly improbable or unrealistic, as this can undermine the credibility of your argument. Instead, opt for phrases that reflect a more nuanced level of possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they could even" functions primarily as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential, often highlighting an additional or unexpected outcome. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they could even" is a common and versatile modal phrase used to express possibility, often with an element of surprise or as an additional potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and general discourse. While generally neutral in tone, it can adapt to more formal or informal registers depending on the specific application. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in subject reference and avoid overstating the probability of the outcome to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they might even

Replaces 'could' with 'might', softening the degree of possibility but retaining the core meaning.

they may even

Substitutes 'could' with 'may', indicating a similar level of possibility or chance.

they can even

Uses 'can' instead of 'could', suggesting a higher degree of certainty or ability.

they would even

Implies a hypothetical situation where something unexpected might occur.

they might actually

Adds 'actually' to emphasize the surprising nature of the potential outcome.

they may well

Expresses a strong possibility or likelihood.

it's even possible they

Rephrases to emphasize possibility, adding a layer of formality.

it's conceivable they

Indicates something is imaginable or believable, though perhaps unlikely.

they are potentially able to

Replaces the modal verb with a more formal phrasing, highlighting capability.

they are not excluded from

Formally expresses that something is possible by stating it's not prohibited.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they could even" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it is even possible that" or "they might potentially". These options maintain the core meaning while elevating the language's register.

What's the difference between "they could even" and "they might even"?

While both phrases express possibility, "they could even" suggests a slightly higher degree of potential or surprise than "they might even". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

How to use "they could even" in a sentence?

You can use "they could even" to introduce an unexpected or additional positive outcome. For example: "If they invest in renewable energy, "they could even" become energy independent".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "they could even"?

Avoid using "they could even" when the outcome is highly improbable. This can diminish your credibility. Also, ensure the subject "they" is clearly defined in your context.