which could entail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which could entail' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing potential consequences of a certain action or situation. For example, "The company's decision to move their headquarters overseas, which could entail significant job losses, has caused an uproar in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Its mission will also include "deweaponizing" extremist groups, which could entail confrontations at heavily armed compounds.

The Washington Post

"It leaves a fuller front, which could entail a swing towards seeing more goatees in the not too distant future".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Deeper cuts to costs are expected when RBS reports its results next year which could entail job cuts.

The Guardian - Business

It had also sent out more than 200 formal warning letters to factories, which could entail their being struck off as suppliers under the legally binding agreement.

The Guardian

The next land transfer -- which could entail from 10 to 12percentt of the West Bank -- is supposed to take place in June.

The New York Times

But would-be intermediaries fear the prospect of having to confirm this independently, which could entail checking tax forms or creating a database of all investors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The asteroid mission is meant, in part, to help train NASA in handling heavy objects in space, which could also entail warding off asteroids.

The New Yorker

I also support a more robust approach to border security and illegal immigration, which could still entail legal residency for law-abiding Dreamers but not an undeserved pathway to citizenship.

The New York Times

"With the money that's being allocated, you've got to do what you can with the resources that you have". The asteroid mission is meant, in part, to help train NASA in handling heavy objects in space, which could also entail warding off asteroids.

The New Yorker

Moreover, the recall period for the experience of LBP was as long as 12 months, which could also entail a certain degree of misclassification due to recall bias.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Skin exposure (Bernstein et al. 1993; Leanerts-Langanke 1992) or intermittent peak exposures, which could also entail both respiratory and skin exposure (Tarlo et al. 1997), have been considered important contributing factors in such cases.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which could entail" to clearly indicate a possible, but not certain, consequence of a preceding action or event. This phrasing is particularly useful in analytical or predictive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "which could entail" when you mean to express certainty. "Entail" implies a possibility, not a guarantee. Use "ensure" or "guarantee" when you want to convey certainty, or choose alternatives like "will certainly lead to" if that is your intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which could entail" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or nonessential) clause, that adds extra information to the main clause. It indicates a potential consequence or implication, modifying the preceding noun or clause. Ludwig AI shows that it is frequently used to describe potential outcomes or results.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which could entail" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a potential consequence or implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, adding extra information. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. Remember to use "which could entail" when you want to express a possibility rather than a certainty and to avoid confusing it with phrases that indicate a guaranteed outcome. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives such as "which might involve" or "which may require" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which might involve

Replaces "entail" with "involve", suggesting a less definitive consequence. "Involve" implies inclusion rather than a necessary outcome.

which may require

Substitutes "entail" with "require", focusing on necessity. This suggests that something will be needed as a result.

which could lead to

Replaces "entail" with "lead to", indicating a causal relationship. This suggests a progression from one event to another.

which might result in

Similar to "lead to" but emphasizes the outcome or consequence more directly.

which can cause

Highlights a direct cause-and-effect relationship, focusing on the potential negative outcomes.

that may necessitate

More formal alternative; suggests something may become essential or indispensable.

which potentially includes

Suggests a possibility of inclusion, rather than a guaranteed outcome.

which may bring about

Emphasizes the act of causing something to happen or exist.

that may give rise to

A more formal phrase indicating the start or creation of something.

which has the potential to

Focuses on the inherent possibility for something to occur.

FAQs

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

Use "which could entail" to introduce a potential consequence or implication of a previous action or statement. For example, "The new policy change, which could entail significant cost savings, is expected to be implemented next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "which could entail"?

You can use alternatives like "which might involve", "which may require", or "which could lead to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "which could entail" or "that could entail"?

"Which could entail" is typically used in nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional information, while "that could entail" is used in restrictive clauses, essential for defining the noun. The choice depends on whether the clause is crucial to the sentence's meaning.

What's the difference between "which could entail" and "which will entail"?

"Which could entail" expresses a possibility or potential outcome, whereas "which will entail" indicates a certainty or a definite consequence. The former suggests a possibility, the latter, a guarantee.