become more vulnerable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'become more vulnerable to' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to mean that something is now more susceptible to harm or risk. For example, "As a result of the economic slowdown, many businesses have become more vulnerable to bankruptcy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As growth abroad recovers, America will become more vulnerable to inflation unless its domestic demand slows.

The Economist

Instead, we become more vulnerable to distractions.

Harvard Business Review

Estuaries also become more vulnerable to rising sea levels.

Yale University

But he has clearly become more vulnerable to brain injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

Stocks can become more vulnerable to declines when their valuations climb to historical highs.

The New York Times

Were he to back away from his remarks, he could become more vulnerable to such criticism.

The New York Times

The Barclays case demonstrates that Libor has become more vulnerable to misconduct.

The New York Times

This caused the island to become more vulnerable to storm surges.

The New Yorker

People who eat this way become more vulnerable to external cues telling them what to eat.

The New York Times

Unable to clear away defective mitochondria, the cell's descendants become more vulnerable to mutations.

The New York Times - Science

Under a dark-money Cabinet, science will become more vulnerable to spin and suppression.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become more vulnerable to", ensure the context clearly identifies both the entity becoming vulnerable and the specific threat or risk they are exposed to. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "become more vulnerable to" without specifying the cause or source of the increased vulnerability. Vague statements can weaken the argument and leave the reader confused. Instead of saying "the system has become more vulnerable", specify to what it is vulnerable, such as "The system has become more vulnerable to cyber attacks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become more vulnerable to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a shift in condition, specifically a transition towards increased susceptibility or risk. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing how various entities, from economies to individuals, experience heightened exposure to potential harm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become more vulnerable to" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating increased susceptibility to harm or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly featured in News & Media and Science, this phrase effectively conveys warnings and highlights potential negative consequences. When using "become more vulnerable to", clarity is key; specify the entity and the threat for maximum impact. Alternatives like "become more susceptible to" or "become more prone to" can add nuance, but specificity remains crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become more susceptible to

Replaces "vulnerable" with "susceptible", implying a tendency to be affected by something.

become more prone to

Substitutes "vulnerable" with "prone", indicating a likelihood of experiencing something undesirable.

become more exposed to

Focuses on the increased risk due to a lack of protection or shielding.

be at greater risk of

Expresses the idea of increased vulnerability using the concept of risk.

find oneself more susceptible to

Adds a reflexive element, emphasizing the change in one's own state.

leave oneself open to

Suggests a deliberate or negligent act that increases vulnerability.

increase one's chances of

Shifts the focus to probability and outcome, rather than direct vulnerability.

render oneself defenseless against

Implies a loss of protection or ability to resist.

be more easily affected by

Focuses on the ease with which something can have an impact.

soften to

Uses metaphorical language to suggest a reduction in resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "become more vulnerable to" in a sentence?

You can use "become more vulnerable to" to indicate an increased susceptibility to negative effects. For example, "Without proper security measures, data systems "become more vulnerable to" cyber attacks".

What are some alternatives to "become more vulnerable to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "become more susceptible to", "become more prone to", or "become more exposed to", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "become more vulnerable to" or "becomes more vulnerable to"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "become" with plural subjects (e.g., "They become more vulnerable to criticism"). Use "becomes" with singular subjects (e.g., "He becomes more vulnerable to manipulation").

What makes something "become more vulnerable to" something else?

Vulnerability can increase due to various factors, such as weakened defenses, increased exposure, or changing circumstances. For example, "As coastal wetlands degrade, communities "become more vulnerable to" flooding".