could be fake vs could be faked

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Could be fake' is used to express the possibility that something is not genuine or real. 'Could be faked' is used to suggest the potential for something to be manipulated or altered.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1734 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the possibility that something is not genuine or real.

"could be fake"

This phrase is used to indicate the potential that something is not authentic or real. It implies doubt or uncertainty about the authenticity of the subject.

Examples:

The painting could be fake; we need to have it authenticated.
His story about meeting a celebrity seems like it could be fake.
The news report could be fake; we should verify the source.
The antique vase could be fake; we should have it appraised.
The signature on the document could be fake; we need to investigate further.

Show examples from the web [+]

We could be fake inspirations to people, like Lance Armstrong.
As far as they're concerned, all this could be fake, worthless.
So does that mean the video could be fake?
Stuff could be fake.
These drugs could be fake.
Stuff could be fake.
Actually, we will take a second to prove - this could be fake - that the blades are indeed razor-sharp.
Anything with that much repute could be a fake.
That video could be a fake.
Prints were lifted from his possessions, aren't on file, could be a fake name, an alias.
Could be from a fake beard or mustache.
Has it ever occurred to you that the photograph... disk itself could be a fake?
Do you think she could be a fake girlfriend?
Given the number of phony I.D's the guy had, we could be running down fake identities till next Christmas.
There could be thousands of fakes running through the cage right this minute.
This hair could be as fake as this iceberg, this... world... you.
Has it ever occurred to you that the photograph... disk itself could be a fake?
If they scanned you telepathically, they could've lifted a voice print, it could still be a fake.
Anything she flashes is going to be fake.
In other parts of the world more than 30% of the medicines on sale can be fake.

Alternatives:

might be fake
may be fake
possibly fake
potentially fake
could be false

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to suggest the potential for something to be manipulated or altered.

"could be faked"

This phrase is used to imply that there is a chance that something has been altered or tampered with. It indicates the possibility of deception or manipulation.

Examples:

The video evidence could be faked; we need to investigate further.
The photographs could be faked to mislead the public.
The documents could be faked to create a false impression.
The audio recording could be faked to incriminate someone.
The witness testimony could be faked to sway the jury.

Show examples from the web [+]

It could be faked.
That could be faked, you know?
That could be faked, you know?
Emotion and sincerity can be faked.
The human vocal chords can't be faked.
Badges and I.D.'s can be faked.
Everything can be faked, Virgil.
Everybody knows that videos can be faked.
I hear that can be faked.
I'm circumspect myself, but the ice-core samples I took can't be faked.
Bring me Scylla, or this time Sara's death will not be faked.
This kind of cluelessness can't be faked.
Do you think love can be faked?
A good faint, like just about anything, can be faked.
If we learned anything from F/X and F/X 2, it's that anything can be faked...
The security checks and safety procedures on online gambling sites can be overcome; borrowed or stolen credit cards can be used by minors and identities can be faked.
His eyes would light up in ways that can't be faked,
Can that be faked, or...?
She faked her entire life story.
The Red Dragon faked his death.

Alternatives:

might be faked
may be faked
possibly faked
potentially faked
could be manipulated

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could be fake vs could be faked

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