can be afflicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be afflicted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential to suffer from a condition, disease, or negative experience. Example: "Many individuals can be afflicted by anxiety disorders, which can impact their daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Any old narcissist can be afflicted, and afflict others, with a conviction of being godlike.

The New Yorker

LIKE Windows-based PC's, Macintosh computers -- at least those using the OS 9 operating system or earlier versions -- can be afflicted by memory malaise.

The New York Times - Tech

What's fascinating is that humans appear to have no monopoly on repetitive compulsive behaviors; many animal species including dogs, cats and birds can be afflicted by these out-of-control rituals.

The New York Times - Health

Delbanco stresses that "one of the insights at the core of the college idea" is the notion that "to serve others is to serve oneself by providing a sense of purpose, thereby countering the loneliness and aimlessness by which all people, young and old, can be afflicted".

The New York Times - Books

The paediatric brainstem can be afflicted by many pathologies that may overlap clinico-radiologically.

Insights into Imaging

Ligand-based VS, based on similarity values to a query structure, can be afflicted with an analogue enrichment bias.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Motorists can also be afflicted: please note that screaming "ALLEZ!

The Guardian - Sport

You can also 'be afflicted by something' be afflicted by something.

BBC

Whether or not evolutionary psychology is a real or a pseudoscience — opinions vary — one can believe that human beings are afflicted with too much wanting without thinking that we are that way because once upon a time those cravings helped us have more kids than our neighbors.

The New Yorker

But at least those who are afflicted can read baseball stories with datelines from Clearwater and Scottsdale.

The New York Times - Sports

But if public opinion, already trending toward the rights of the afflicted, can be affected by the association of the warmly remembered Reagan name with a federal impetus to stem-cell research and rigorous cloning control, I say it's a good thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be afflicted", ensure the context clearly indicates a negative condition, disease, or experience. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the potential for suffering or hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "can be afflicted" when a more neutral phrase like "can experience" or "can be affected" would be more appropriate. "Afflicted" implies a significant negative impact, so ensure the context warrants this stronger term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be afflicted" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility combined with a passive verb construction. This indicates a potential state of suffering or being burdened by something negative. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be afflicted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the potential for experiencing a negative condition or suffering. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it functions as a modal verb phrase with a passive construction, primarily used in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. While alternatives like ""can suffer from"" or "may be affected by" exist, "can be afflicted" carries a distinct emphasis on the burden and negative impact of the condition. When using this phrase, ensure that the context appropriately warrants the implication of hardship, and avoid overuse in neutral situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can suffer from

Directly indicates the experience of pain or distress, making the negative aspect more explicit than "afflicted".

may be affected by

Uses "affected" instead of "afflicted", suggesting a broader range of potential impacts, not necessarily negative.

is susceptible to

Focuses on vulnerability or predisposition to something, rather than the active experience of suffering.

can be prone to

Similar to "susceptible to", suggesting a tendency or likelihood of experiencing something.

may be vulnerable to

Highlights the state of being easily harmed or affected negatively, emphasizing weakness.

might be subject to

Emphasizes the possibility of being controlled or influenced by something, differing from the inherent suffering implied by "afflicted".

could be burdened with

Highlights the sense of a heavy load or problem, adding a layer of emotional weight not always present in "afflicted".

can experience

A more general term that encompasses a wider range of possible effects, both positive and negative.

might develop

Suggests the gradual onset of a condition or problem, implying a process over time.

can contract

Specifically used for diseases and illnesses that can be acquired.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be afflicted" to describe the potential for someone or something to suffer from a condition or disease. For example, "Many individuals "can suffer from" anxiety disorders."

What can I say instead of "can be afflicted"?

You can use alternatives like "may be affected by", ""can suffer from"", or "is susceptible to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be afflicted" or "can be affected"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can be affected" is a more general term, while "can be afflicted" implies a more severe negative impact or suffering.

What's the difference between "can be afflicted" and "can contract"?

"Can contract" is typically used for diseases or illnesses that can be acquired, while "can be afflicted" is a broader term that can apply to various negative conditions, not just diseases.