Could

How it is used

In academic writing, it often softens claims: writers use it to present a possible explanation without stating certainty.

Example sentences

1. These differences could reflect changes in reporting practices rather than actual changes in student attendance.

   Here could marks a careful interpretation. The writer offers one plausible explanation without claiming it is definitely true.

2. The missing responses could have influenced the final averages, so we reported that limitation in the discussion section.

   In this example, could is used for hedging: it signals possible impact while keeping the claim appropriately cautious.

Common collocations

• could indicate
• could suggest
• could reflect
• could have influenced

Related terms

• hedgingUsing cautious language, such as may, might, appear to or suggest, so that a claim is only as strong as the evidence allows.
• suggestIn academic writing, to indicate that something is probably true without proving it; it can also mean to put forward an idea or recommendation.

More terms: Argument and Hedging

• argument
• evidence
• argue
• claim
• to some extent
• counterargument
• stance
• it could be argued that
• acknowledge
• arguably
• tentative
• plausible