Example sentences of "could [adv] [verb] been [adv] [adj] " in BNC.
Next page| No | Sentence |
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| 1 | It could only have been relatively cool gases that could initiate accretion processes . |
| 2 | ‘ Given a pitch more worn than an umpire 's eardrum , ’ he wrote ( if that is the word ) , ‘ 99 was not a straightforward target , and when the temperature was threatening to melt the mercury in the thermometer , Graham Gooch could scarcely have been more grateful for having buried the hatchet with Hampshire 's intrepid aviator . ’ |
| 3 | Anselm sought papal advice with the ardour of one who desired to obey a father , but his knowledge of papal decisions and of the development of papal policy could scarcely have been more meagre . |
| 4 | Certainly , two brothers could scarcely have been more different — and not only in looks , in temperament as well . |
| 5 | In doing so , Edward developed strong ties of sympathy and affection with the nobles , and the contrast with the court of Edward II could scarcely have been more marked . |
| 6 | It could not have been completely uniform , because that would violate the uncertainty principle of quantum theory . |
| 7 | The early universe could not have been completely homogeneous and uniform because that would violate the uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics . |
| 8 | William Agnew 's splendid efforts on behalf of the deaf of Glasgow could not have been entirely successful without the support he received from a number of other deaf individuals . |
| 9 | The contrast with the Labour government 's housing policy in the late 1940s could not have been more striking . |
| 10 | Had he smacked her across the face the result could not have been more devastating . |
| 11 | Omar 's information that the country below the escarpment would be suitable for camels could not have been more misleading . |
| 12 | It could not have been more crowded . |
| 13 | He could not have been more misguided , for in the sector he had chosen to attack the Germans now had 43 divisions and the French only slightly more : a totally inadequate margin with which to launch an offensive . |
| 14 | Peter was a born leader and his chairmanship of WWF could not have been more effective . |
| 15 | Parrott , 6–2 up overnight against Irish professional champion Joe Swail , could not have been more impressive in completing a 9–3 victory . |
| 16 | Sadly , his prophecy could not have been more accurate . |
| 17 | If she had planned it the blow could not have been more accurate . |
| 18 | Were glad the guidance has finally arrived , however we feel it 's a pity it could not have been more accurate ’ . |
| 19 | The divide between the old regime and the bold , young newcomers could not have been more complete . |
| 20 | And Mr Major himself could not have been more emollient . |
| 21 | The instructors were all trained in the UK and could not have been more helpful when I asked at very short notice whether I could fly their Archer for £34 . |
| 22 | " His manner could not have been more cordial " , recorded the president 's visitor . |
| 23 | It was a triumph of modern science , and the new patron could not have been more impressed — although being seven months pregnant herself she was a little bit squeamish at the sight of the giant ten-inch needles used in the procedure . |
| 24 | Liverpool Competition captain Phil Davies ( 39 ) could not have been more impressed when he became part of the statistics in Rennie 's 7–52 haul as Neston made 151 from 55 overs . |
| 25 | The contrast between Russian reality and the ideal vistas opened out by western doctrines could not have been more stark . |
| 26 | The safe shelter he had found on the edge of the village could not have been more comfortable , for all that on awakening and having his first lightsome look it struck him as a mite strange . |
| 27 | Thomas 's contribution could not have been more timely , Tommy Tynan having equalised an own goal by David Byrne . |
| 28 | She could not have been more wrong . |
| 29 | It could not have been more exciting news and everyone was thrilled , but her small and newly gathered staff took a deep breath . |
| 30 | Later she was to think how little she was prepared for the simple events which were to change her life completely — indeed she would have said that so much had happened to her already that any further incidents must be minor , a judgement which could not have been more faulty . |