this could entail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could entail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential consequences, implications, or requirements of a certain action or decision. Example: "If we decide to expand our operations, this could entail hiring additional staff and increasing our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

This could entail a review of licensing procedures through the introduction of e-governance tools.

The Guardian

"This could entail anything from changing road markings to erecting new safety barriers".

The Guardian

Such questions usually provoke an information gathering process, although parties may not see eye to eye on the methods this could entail.

Harvard University

On a short flight, this could entail falling into a reverie about whether or not to go for a delicious-sounding microwaved "toasted sandwich".

The Guardian - Opinion

This could entail, for instance, replacing numbers that carry identifying information — like Social Security numbers and ZIP codes — with zeros, or replacing the word "New York" with "X17".

The New York Times - Tech

This could entail speaking to your supervisor, or if the dispute involves her or him, speaking to that person's superiors, an ombudsman, or someone in human resources.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But in the case of the latter, it should be clear, especially after this week, what that could entail.

Los Angeles Times

Because this process could entail fees of around $2,500, it would generally not be advisable to set up trusts for assets of less than $50,000, she said.

The New York Times

The ECB has already set out proposals to increase its funding to the financial markets to €2tn and this plan could entail joining the quantitative easing programme adopted by the Bank of England and US and Japanese central banks.

The Guardian - Business

This plan could entail reducing your inventory costs, reducing labor (layoffs) or other reductions.

Forbes

The full extent of what a possible breach of this system could entail is unclear, but worst case, malicious hackers could gain insights from the reverse-engineered procedures and learn how to exploit it.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this could entail", consider the formality of your audience. While suitable for most contexts, alternatives like "this may involve" might be preferable in more informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "this could entail" when referring to certainties. "Entail" suggests a possibility, not a guaranteed outcome. If the result is definite, use phrases like "this will cause" or "this necessitates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could entail" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a potential consequence or implication. It suggests that a particular action or situation might involve certain results or requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could entail" is a versatile phrase used to express a possible consequence or implication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While suitable for most situations, it's important to be mindful of the potential for misinterpreting the scope of entailment, as it indicates possibility rather than certainty. Alternatives like "this might involve", "this may require", and "this could lead to" offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might involve

Replaces "entail" with "involve", suggesting a possible inclusion or consequence.

this may require

Substitutes "entail" with "require", focusing on the necessary actions or conditions.

this could lead to

Replaces "entail" with "lead to", emphasizing the potential outcome or result.

this might necessitate

Uses "necessitate" instead of "entail", indicating a stronger sense of requirement.

this can encompass

Replaces "entail" with "encompass", suggesting a broader scope of inclusion.

this may give rise to

Similar to "lead to" but with a slightly more formal tone, suggesting causation.

this could bring about

Emphasizes the action of causing or producing a particular outcome.

this might imply

Focuses on the suggestion or indirect indication of a consequence.

this can result in

Highlights the consequence as a direct result of the initial action.

this may call for

Indicates a need or demand for something as a result of the initial action.

FAQs

What does "this could entail" mean?

The phrase "this could entail" means that something might involve or require something else as a consequence or necessary condition. It suggests a potential outcome or implication of a particular action or situation.

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

You can use "this could entail" to describe potential outcomes or requirements. For example, "Implementing the new policy could entail significant changes to our workflow." or "Investing in renewable energy "this could reduce" our carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "this could entail"?

Alternatives include "this might involve", "this may require", or "this could lead to" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "this could entail" formal or informal?

"This could entail" is suitable for most contexts, ranging from neutral to formal. However, in very informal settings, simpler alternatives like "this might mean" or "this could involve" may be more appropriate.