this could very well be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could very well be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood of something being true or accurate. Example: "Given the evidence presented, this could very well be the solution we have been searching for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're expecting a serious makeover for the Air and MacBook Pro lines this year, and this could very well be one of the features.

TechCrunch

This could very well be a pivotal point for us".

The New York Times - Sports

"This could very well be the pristine sample we've been waiting for," says Hammel.

Nature

"This could very well be in our heads," a vampire who calls herself "CJ!" admitted to the BBC.

Independent

"This could very well be the end," he said as he sat amid tarps and other wreckage of his stand.

The New York Times

"Once the investigations look into it, this could very well be a legitimate issue which Speaker Silver has to address.

The New York Times

This could very well be nothing more than the shifting of a pawn in advance of future negotiations with his new UFC overlords.

The Guardian - Sport

"This could very well be one of the most eye-gouging, nose-biting, no-holds-barred donnybrooks we've seen in a century," he said".

The New York Times

"This could very well be probably the most key game in the division all year," Giants defensive lineman Justin Tuck said.

The New York Times

"This could very well be the last summit whose success is measured by the achievement in arms-control agreements," the diplomat said.

The New York Times

This could very well be an indication that the young Wallace was attuned to the speech patterns of the people around him, namely his parents and teachers.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this could very well be" to indicate a strong possibility without stating it as a certainty. This is useful when analyzing evidence or predicting outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "this could very well be" when you have definitive proof or evidence. Instead, use stronger, more direct language to convey certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could very well be" functions as a modal expression, indicating a strong possibility or likelihood. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles, suggesting its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could very well be" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong possibility across numerous contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When writing, use "this could very well be" to convey a likelihood without absolute certainty. It's important to avoid overstating certainty when employing this phrase. Numerous alternative constructions offer similar meanings. The high frequency across authoritative sources underscores its importance and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might very easily be

Replaces "could" with "might" and "well" with "easily", slightly softening the certainty.

this may quite possibly be

Substitutes "could" for "may" and "very well" for "quite possibly", adjusting the degree of possibility.

this is quite likely to be

Changes the modal verb structure to a direct statement of likelihood, altering the tone.

this is potentially going to be

Shifts focus to a future potential, adding a sense of anticipation.

it is entirely plausible that this is

Introduces a more formal tone by using "plausible", emphasizing believability.

this could conceivably be

Replaces "very well" with "conceivably", highlighting the possibility, even if remote.

this could readily be

Emphasizes ease or lack of difficulty with the word "readily".

this is quite apt to be

Uses "apt" to suggest a natural tendency or inclination for something to occur.

this might just be

Simplifies the phrase to a more casual expression of possibility, reducing the intensity.

this is possibly

Shortens the phrase to a simple statement of possibility, removing the emphasis.

FAQs

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

You can use "this could very well be" to suggest a plausible outcome or explanation, such as, "Given the current market trends, this could very well be the best time to invest."

What phrases are similar to "this could very well be"?

Alternatives include "this might be", "this is likely to be", or "this may be", depending on the level of certainty you want to express.

Is "this could very well be" formal or informal?

"This could very well be" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of writing and speaking situations.

What's the difference between "this could very well be" and "this is definitely"?

"This could very well be" expresses a strong possibility, while "this is definitely" asserts a certainty. Use "this could very well be" when you suspect something is true, but lack absolute proof, whereas "this is definitely" should be reserved for situations where there is no doubt.