this could best be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could best be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting the most suitable way to describe or categorize something. Example: "In this context, this could best be described as a collaborative effort among various departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The audience's response to this could best be described as hostile.

The New Yorker

He thought that this could best be achieved by prosperity and low taxation, which in turn depended on peace and on freedom from foreign entanglements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The control of nuclear weaponry was Douglas's main policy interest, and in 1945 she imagined that this could best be accomplished by sharing the secrets of the atom with the Soviet Union.

The New York Times

This could best be accomplished by granting people facing foreclosure the right to rent their home at the market price for a substantial period of time (five-10 years) following a foreclosure.

The Guardian - Opinion

After the signing of a new constitution in 1814, an exciting and difficult age began for Norway: an opportunity seemed to be offered to develop an independent Norwegian culture and way of life, but there were deep differences of opinion as to how this could best be achieved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The usage of the docking motifs in terms of sequence can be different in human and HIV proteins, and this could best be observed by constructing sequence logos from the motif hits on human (Figure 2) and HIV (Figure 3) proteins known to be phosphorylated by ERK1/2.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But where do you think the balance of this saving could best be spent?

Independent

While in the United States last week, Dr. Allawi said that this issue could best be dealt with in a conference of Iraq's neighbors in the region, plus other leading countries in the world.

The New York Times

Different cutpoints for E were investigated to determine how this measure could best be translated into an AIS severity.

Injury Epidemiology

The World Health Organization and UNAIDS have engaged in a series of consultations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe to reflect on how this aim could best be achieved.

Vaccine

This observation is supported by the participants in our study who underlined the importance of social inclusion but were uncertain about how this objective could best be supported.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this could best be", ensure the context clearly defines what "this" refers to, providing a direct link between the subject and the suggested optimal action or description.

Common error

Avoid using "this could best be" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "this is better" or "this works well" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could best be" functions as a modal verb phrase used to suggest the most effective or suitable way to achieve a particular outcome or to describe something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could best be" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions to suggest the most suitable approach or description in a given scenario. Ludwig AI confirms this. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase is predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts. To enhance clarity and avoid overuse in informal settings, be mindful of the context and choose alternative phrases when appropriate. By doing so, you can effectively use "this could best be" to offer informed and insightful suggestions in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this would be ideally

Replaces "could" with "would" and "best" with "ideally", suggesting a hypothetical optimal scenario.

this is most appropriately

Emphasizes appropriateness using "most appropriately" instead of "best be".

this is ideally suited

Shifts the focus to suitability, implying the highest degree of appropriateness.

this is most precisely

Highlights precision as the most important attribute.

this is optimally

Highlights optimization as the preferred method or descriptor.

this can most effectively

Emphasizes effectiveness as the primary criterion.

this is preferably

Replaces "best" with "preferably", indicating a preference.

this may optimally

Replaces "could" with "may" and "best" with "optimally", suggesting a possibility.

this is perfectly

Highlights perfection as the most suitable option.

this is excellently

Focuses on the excellence of a particular approach.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this could best be" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "this may be optimally", "this is most appropriately", or "this is ideally suited". These options provide a sophisticated alternative while maintaining a similar meaning.

What are some simpler ways to say "this could best be" in casual conversation?

In informal settings, you can use phrases like "this is better", "this works well", or "this is the easiest way" to convey a similar idea without sounding overly formal.

How does "this could best be" differ from "this is best"?

""This could best be" implies a suggestion or possibility for an optimal action, while "this is best" asserts that something is definitively the superior option. The former leaves room for alternatives, whereas the latter is more conclusive.

Is "this could best be" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "this could best be" is generally grammatically correct when used to suggest the most suitable way to describe or achieve something. However, ensure the context aligns with the phrase's formal tone and suggestive nature.