this could be true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could be true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a possibility or uncertainty about a statement or situation. Example: "While there is no concrete evidence, this could be true based on the information we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could be true.

The New York Times

In principle, this could be true.

The Economist

This could be true here.

The Guardian

I cannot imagine how this could be true.

The New York Times

All this could be true of raspberries or blackberries.

Independent

This could be true in other business lines, as well.

The New York Times

This could be true in some departments, but it cannot be true in every department.

University of California, Berkeley

In theory this could be true, but in practice it's likely to be false.

Yale University

"I would never, never, ever have thought that this could be true".

The New York Times

All of this could be true, but none of it would make either musician trivial.

The New Yorker

"The idea that this could be true did not occur to her".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "this could be true" with a 'but' statement to introduce a counter-argument or alternative perspective, showing balanced consideration of different possibilities.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "this could be true" can weaken your argument in formal writing. Opt for stronger, more assertive statements when possible to convey confidence and authority. Consider "'that might be the case'" or "'it's plausible'" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "this could be true" is to serve as a modal phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty. Examples on Ludwig, as well as similar expressions, illustrate this function by showing its usage across various contexts where acknowledging potential validity is needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could be true" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or tentative agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While very common and generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of its overuse in formal settings, opting for stronger assertions when appropriate. Alternatives such as "that might be the case" or "that is possibly correct" can offer similar nuances with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That might be the case

Emphasizes the possibility of something being factual or accurate, focusing on the potential for a situation to be as described.

That is possibly correct

Highlights the potential accuracy of a statement, suggesting it aligns with the truth or reality.

That is potentially valid

Suggests the idea or statement possesses a degree of validity or could hold true under certain conditions.

That may well be accurate

Indicates a strong likelihood of accuracy, implying the information aligns with known facts or evidence.

That is a distinct possibility

Focuses on the tangible chance of an event occurring or a statement being validated.

It's conceivable that it's true

Highlights the believability of a statement, suggesting that it's possible within reason.

It's plausible it could be factual

Emphasizes the reasonableness and believability of a statement, suggesting it aligns with logic or evidence.

Conceivably, that's the reality

Suggests the potential truthfulness of a scenario, framing it as a possible aspect of reality.

That is a fair assumption

Highlights the legitimacy of a statement as a presumption or inference based on available evidence.

There's a chance that's accurate

Indicates a degree of likelihood for something to be correct, pointing out the possibility of a positive outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "this could be true" to express that something is possibly accurate or valid, like in "While the evidence is circumstantial, this could be true."

What are some alternatives to saying "this could be true"?

You can use phrases like "'that might be the case'", "'it's conceivable'", or "'that is possibly correct'" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it better to say "this could be true" or "this must be true"?

"This could be true" indicates a possibility, while "this must be true" suggests certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects your level of confidence in the statement.

When is it appropriate to use "this could be true" in an argument?

Use "this could be true" when acknowledging a point made by someone else without fully agreeing with it. It can be a way to show you're considering different perspectives, even if you don't fully endorse them.