this could well be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could well be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood regarding a situation or statement. Example: "Given the evidence presented, this could well be the breakthrough we have been waiting for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This could well be true.

The New Yorker

This could well be boilerplate.

The Economist

This could well be their undoing.

The New York Times

This could well be a cracker.

The Guardian - Sport

All of this could well be correct.

The Guardian - Opinion

This could well be another case of cannibalism.

The Guardian

This could well be enough to destabilize entire societies.

The Economist

This could well be the transforming event of the American and global business cycle.

The New York Times

Sri Lanka trail by 13; this could well be the match-deciding partnership.

The Guardian - Sport

This could well be a precedent if the Jebb case goes ahead.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This could well be the negative tipping point for Toshiba.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "this could well be", ensure that the context provides sufficient clues for the reader to understand the basis for the possibility being suggested.

Common error

Avoid using "this could well be" when you have definitive evidence. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty, so use stronger language if you possess concrete proof.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could well be" serves as a modal expression, indicating possibility or likelihood. As Ludwig AI shows, it softens a statement, presenting it as a probable outcome rather than a definite fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"This could well be" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong possibility or likelihood without absolute certainty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty by using it when definitive evidence exists. Alternatives such as "this might very well be" or "this is likely to be" offer similar shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This might very well be

Replaces "could" with "might" and adds emphasis with "very well", slightly increasing the uncertainty.

This may well be

Substitutes "could" with "may", indicating a similar level of possibility.

This is likely to be

Changes the structure to a more direct statement of likelihood, reducing the sense of possibility.

This is quite likely to be

Uses "quite likely" to reinforce the probability, making the statement more assertive.

This is probably going to be

Uses "probably" and future tense to express a strong likelihood, slightly shifting the focus to the future.

It is quite possible that this is

Emphasizes possibility using "quite possible", making the phrase more formal and cautious.

It is conceivable that this is

Introduces a sense of conceivability or imaginability, suggesting the idea is within the realm of possibility.

This could easily be

Replaces "well" with "easily", indicating the action or event is not difficult to occur.

There's a good chance this is

Uses a more informal tone to indicate a favorable probability.

This is potentially

Highlights the potential for something to be true, focusing on future possibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "this could well be" to express a strong possibility or likelihood. For example, "Given the current economic climate, "this could well be" the start of a recession."

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

Similar phrases include "this might very well be", "this may well be", or "this is likely to be". Each conveys a sense of possibility or probability.

Is "this could be" different from "this could well be"?

Yes, "this could well be" implies a stronger likelihood than "this could be". The addition of "well" emphasizes the possibility.

When is it inappropriate to use "this could well be"?

It's best to avoid using "this could well be" when you have definite proof or certainty. The phrase suggests a degree of uncertainty, so it's unsuitable when you possess concrete evidence.