be endangered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be endangered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a species or entity is at risk of extinction or harm. Example: "Many species of animals are at risk of being endangered due to habitat loss and climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Passengers will be endangered," predicted another.

The New Yorker

American lives would most surely be endangered worldwide.

The New York Times

The organization found three species of billfish to be endangered.

The New York Times

The global nuclear nonproliferation regime will be endangered".

The New York Times

They may be endangered one day and hunted the next.

The New York Times - Science

One was that the transition to democracy could be endangered.

The Economist

It may declare the whole archipelago to be endangered.

The Economist

Island nations and continental beaches and cities would be endangered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Literacy may be endangered today, but not electronic literacy.

The New York Times

THE phrase "dead as a dodo" may soon be endangered.

The Economist

Some species were believed to be endangered, others threatened.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about environmental issues or conservation, using "be endangered" helps emphasize the urgency of protecting vulnerable species and habitats. For stronger impact, consider specifying the cause of endangerment.

Common error

Avoid using "endangered" and "threatened" interchangeably. "Endangered" means a species is at serious risk of extinction, while "threatened" indicates a species is likely to become endangered in the near future. Use the correct term to accurately convey the level of risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be endangered" functions as a copular verb phrase where "be" is the copula linking the subject to the predicate adjective "endangered". Ludwig AI confirms its function in describing a state of risk or peril.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be endangered" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies a state of risk or peril, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is frequently used in contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish between "endangered" and "threatened", and to ensure subject-verb agreement. Alternatives like "be at risk" or "face extinction" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that clarity and precision are key when discussing vulnerable entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be at risk

Emphasizes the presence of danger or potential harm without necessarily implying a threat of extinction.

be threatened

Indicates a potential danger or harm, often implying a specific source of threat.

be imperiled

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "be endangered", suggesting a grave and imminent danger.

face extinction

Specifically highlights the risk of a species dying out completely.

be in jeopardy

Similar to "be at risk", but often implies a more serious or critical situation.

be vulnerable

Highlights a weakness or susceptibility to harm.

be precarious

Suggests a situation that is unstable and likely to lead to danger or collapse.

be unsafe

Indicates a lack of safety or security, suggesting potential harm.

be compromised

Highlights a situation where something has been weakened or damaged, leading to risk.

be susceptible to danger

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be harmed.

FAQs

How can I use "be endangered" in a sentence?

You can use "be endangered" to describe species, habitats, or even cultural practices that are at risk of disappearing. For example, "Many species of amphibians "are endangered" due to habitat loss".

What can I say instead of "be endangered"?

Alternatives include "be at risk", "be threatened", or "face extinction" depending on the specific context and the level of risk you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is endangered" or "are endangered"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is endangered" for singular subjects (e.g., "The tiger is endangered"), and "are endangered" for plural subjects (e.g., "Many species are endangered").

What's the difference between "be endangered" and "be extinct"?

"Be endangered" refers to a species that is at risk of extinction but still exists, while "be extinct" means that the species no longer exists anywhere in the world. Something that "is endangered" can still be saved, but something that "is extinct" is gone forever.