this could be

USAGE SUMMARY

"this could be" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to introduce a hypothetical situation. For example: "This could be the greatest adventure of our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could be explosive.

The Economist

"This could be similar.

The New York Times

This could be damaging".

The New Yorker

This could be disruptive.

The Economist

This could be fun.

The New York Times

This could be true.

The New York Times

"This could be it.

The New York Times

This could be ugly.

The New York Times

This could be classic!

The New Yorker

This could be big.

The New Yorker

This could be interesting!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this could be", ensure that the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand what "this" refers to. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "this could be" excessively in situations where there is little to no evidence to support the claim. Over-speculation can weaken your argument and make your writing seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "this could be" is to express possibility or potential. It serves as a modal phrase, indicating that something is likely or has the capacity to occur. Ludwig shows various examples of its usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could be" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It's frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources. When writing, use "this could be" to introduce hypothetical situations or potential outcomes, but avoid overuse in the absence of supporting evidence. Consider alternatives like "it is possible that this is" or "this has the potential to be" for variety. Remember to provide clear context for "this" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible that this is

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the possibility of the situation.

it's conceivable that this will be

Uses a more formal tone while suggesting possibility.

this has the potential to be

Highlights the potential or capability inherent in the subject.

this may well turn out to be

Adds a sense of likelihood or expectation.

this is potentially

Focuses on the potential aspect directly, shortening the phrase.

this is possibly

Emphasizes the possibility of the situation.

it is not unlikely that this is

Uses a double negative to suggest a probable outcome.

one possibility is that this is

Introduces the statement as one of several possible scenarios.

this figures to be

Suggests expectation based on available information.

this could prove to be

Emphasizes the eventual result or outcome that might be revealed over time.

FAQs

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

Use "this could be" to introduce a possibility or potential. For example, "This could be the solution to our problem" suggests a potential solution.

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

You can use alternatives like "it is possible that this is", "this has the potential to be", or "this may well turn out to be" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "this could be" and "this might be"?

Both "this could be" and "this might be" express possibility, but "might" often suggests a slightly lower probability than "could". The difference is subtle and often depends on context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "This could be"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "This could be". It's a common way to introduce a potential or possibility.