this could be changed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could be changed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that a particular situation, decision, or element is open to modification or improvement. Example: "The current policy is not effective; this could be changed to better serve our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This could be changed.

The Guardian

This could be changed so that any money taken out of a scheme would be tax-free.

The Guardian - Money

Under the existing rules, the most senior vice-president – Peixoto – would automatically assume power when the top post is vacant, but this could be changed.

The Guardian - Sport

He argued that this could be changed by highlighting European diversity through the creation of new museums, arts festivals and a post-graduate academic institute in Brussels similar to the Princeton Institute for Advanced Studies.

The New York Times - Arts

He told Sky News that the German public should be quite relaxed because the judges have insisted on political accountability, and have imposed a limit on Germany's exposure through the ESM (although this could be changed by a vote in the Bundestag).

The Guardian - Business

However, this could be changed when there are budget restrictions and when there is intent to increase efficiency of payments in compensation schemes for watershed services.

Ecological Processes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This situation could be changed, Obama said.

The New Yorker

If they wish, students may also include suggestions for how the information network in this country could be changed or revised.

The New York Times

This technically could be changed if both sides were willing, which is unlikely, and as this deals only with matters of detail, changing the agreement alone will not deliver much real reform.

The Guardian

It is not clear if this situation could be changed with effective periodontal treatment.

Archives of Oral Biology

This threshold could be changed in order to encourage smaller energy companies to enter the market and challenge the big six.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this could be changed" to suggest a possibility for improvement or modification, especially when pointing out potential solutions or areas for adjustment within a system or plan.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive constructions like "this could be changed" can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to an active voice when appropriate to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of "This policy could be changed", try "We could change this policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could be changed" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential for alteration. Ludwig AI examples confirm that it introduces a conditional aspect, suggesting that a particular situation or plan is not fixed and can be modified based on circumstances. It sets the stage for proposed solutions or alternative actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could be changed" is a versatile phrase used to suggest potential modifications or improvements across a variety of contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used, as evidenced by the presence of examples in News & Media and Scientific sources. While appropriate in most settings, writers should be aware of potential overuse of the passive voice and consider using active voice constructions for more impactful communication. Alternatives like "this can be modified" and "this is subject to change" can provide nuance depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might be altered

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability of change and substitutes "changed" with "altered".

this can be modified

Substitutes "could be" with "can be", indicating a higher degree of possibility and switches "changed" with "modified".

this is subject to change

Emphasizes the uncertainty and the potential for alteration in a more formal tone.

this is open to modification

Highlights the accessibility of the item to alteration with the phrase "open to".

this is liable to be different

Replaces the entire modal verb construction with an adjective phrase and changes "changed" to "different".

this has the potential to transform

Focuses on the transformative aspect of the change.

this may undergo revision

Introduces a more formal tone and implies a review process before the change.

this is adaptable

Conveys that something has built-in capacity for changes and substitutions.

this allows for adjustments

Uses a more formal structure with the verb "allows" and the noun "adjustments".

this can be reformed

Suggests changing something to improve it. This implies that the original state was in need of improvement.

FAQs

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

Use "this could be changed" to suggest a potential modification or improvement. For example, "The deadline is currently set for Friday, but "this could be changed" if necessary."

What are some alternatives to "this could be changed"?

You can use alternatives like "this can be modified", "this is subject to change", or "this is open to modification" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this could be changed" formal or informal?

"This could be changed" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "this may undergo revision" may be preferable in highly formal settings.

When is it better to use an active voice instead of "this could be changed"?

Using an active voice is preferable when you want to emphasize who is performing the action. Instead of saying ""this could be changed"", you could say "We could change this" to make the sentence more direct and impactful.