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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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It could be that

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It could be that" is correct and usable in written English
You can use this phrase when you are making a suggestion or when you are speculating about the possibility of something being true. For example, "It could be that he was too nervous to give a good performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It could be that bad.

It could be that.' " It was.

It could be that fashion makes sexy TV.

News & Media

Independent

It could be that muscles are starved for blood.

It could be that periwinkle shirt, my favorite.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It could be that subtle difference that connects with someone".

News & Media

The Guardian

It could be that Erdoğan is just a loyal friend.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It could be that way for a long time.

It could be that Mason has a strong legal case.

It could be that technological change is just as important.

News & Media

BBC

It could be that company management was afraid to fail.

News & Media

Forbes
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "It could be that" to introduce a speculative explanation or possibility when you are not entirely certain of the facts. This adds nuance to your writing and acknowledges uncertainty.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "It could be that" when you are stating a known fact or a highly probable event. Overusing it diminishes the impact of genuine speculations.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "It could be that" is to introduce a subordinate clause expressing a possibility or a hypothetical situation. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where the phrase introduces a potential explanation or reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It could be that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a possibility or speculative explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase serves to present ideas without asserting them as definitive facts, adding a layer of nuance and uncertainty. While adaptable to both formal and informal settings, it's best used when expressing genuine speculation rather than stating known facts. Consider alternatives like "It is possible that" or "Perhaps" for nuanced expression.

FAQs

How can I use "It could be that" in a sentence?

Use "It could be that" to introduce a possibility or a speculative explanation. For example, "It could be that the store is closed due to the holiday".

What are some alternatives to "It could be that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "It is possible that", "Perhaps", or "Maybe", depending on the level of formality and certainty you wish to convey.

Is "It could be that" formal or informal?

"It could be that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "It is conceivable that" may be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "It could be that" and "It might be that"?

The difference between "It could be that" and "It might be that" is negligible. Both express possibility, but "It might be that" may suggest a slightly lower degree of certainty compared to "It could be that".

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: