can adversely affect

USAGE SUMMARY

"can adversely affect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the negative consequences of an action or decision. For example, "The lack of staffing in the department can adversely affect the level of service provided to customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Burnout syndrome can adversely affect healthcare worker performance, thereby contributing to medical errors and adverse events.

Annals of Intensive Care

That can adversely affect the ecosystem.

The Guardian

This can adversely affect credit rating.

Stanford University

"A fishbowl can adversely affect a child," Ms. Jones said.

The New York Times

Genetic test misorders can adversely affect patient care.

Stanford University

However, pauses in CPR can adversely affect survival.

Resuscitation

All that time in the loo can adversely affect one's social life.

The New York Times

Lead is a neurotoxin in children and can adversely affect adults' ability to have children.

The Guardian

"Anything but driftwood because the salt content can adversely affect chimneys".

The New York Times - Travel

The fish are towed here very slowly to minimize enzyme stress, which can adversely affect flavor.

The New York Times - Food

However, both of those choices can adversely affect the breakdown voltage.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can adversely affect", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is doing the affecting and what is being affected.

Common error

While "can adversely affect" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can hurt" or "can damage" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can adversely affect" functions as a verb phrase expressing the potential for a negative consequence. As shown by Ludwig, it is widely used to describe how something might negatively impact another thing or situation. The use of "can" indicates a possibility, not a certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can adversely affect" is a widely used phrase to express potential negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, although it is more common in formal and professional settings like science and news media. When writing, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the cause and effect. Consider simpler alternatives such as "can harm" or "can damage" for informal writing. The phrase is a valuable tool for communicating risks and potential downsides, making it essential for precise and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can negatively impact

Replaces "adversely affect" with "negatively impact", a more direct and common alternative.

can harm

Uses a simpler verb, "harm", to convey a similar meaning of causing damage or negative consequences.

can damage

Similar to "harm", but emphasizes physical or structural damage.

can impair

Focuses on the reduction or weakening of a function or ability.

can hinder

Implies obstruction or slowing down of progress.

can undermine

Suggests a weakening or destabilizing effect, often subtly.

can jeopardize

Highlights the risk or danger introduced by something.

can compromise

Indicates a weakening or making vulnerable.

can be detrimental to

A more formal way of expressing a harmful effect.

can have a negative effect on

A more verbose but equally valid alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "can adversely affect" in a sentence?

Use "can adversely affect" to indicate a potential negative impact. For example, "Poor diet "can adversely affect" your health".

What are some alternatives to "can adversely affect"?

You can use alternatives like "can negatively impact", "can harm", or "can damage" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "can negatively affect" or "can adversely affect"?

Both "can negatively affect" and "can adversely affect" are correct, but ""can adversely affect"" is often perceived as slightly more formal. The choice depends on the tone of your writing.

What does "can adversely affect" mean?

"Can adversely affect" means to have a negative or harmful impact on something. It suggests a potential for undesirable consequences.