can be contaminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be contaminated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the potential for something to become polluted or tainted, such as food, water, or environments. Example: "The water supply can be contaminated if proper safety measures are not taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Groundwater can be contaminated by seepage and percolation of contaminated water from the vadose zone (Darnault et al. [2004]).

AMB Express

"People understand that eggs can be contaminated, spinach can be contaminated, peanut butter can be contaminated," said Erik Olson, the deputy director of the Pew Health Group.

The New York Times - Health

"When you have to fight every day from a young age, your soul can be contaminated.

The New Yorker

The source can be contaminated blood or other body materials and objects like needles and syringes.

The Economist

The vulva can be contaminated by urine, feces, vaginal discharges, and menstrual flow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wells and other water sources can be contaminated by badly sited septic tanks, manure heaps, or garbage dumps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But samples can be contaminated.

Science Magazine

fNIRS signals can be contaminated by distinct sources of noise.

Journal of Neuroscience Methods

"Large regions of airspace can be contaminated by particles that are invisible to the naked eye.

BBC

That's another sign that these zircons can be contaminated or altered easily, Weiss says.

Science Magazine

Nevertheless, even in the latter option, the welfare variable can be contaminated by differences in preferences.

SERIEs

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks in scientific or technical contexts, use "can be contaminated" to clearly indicate the possibility of impurity or unwanted elements being introduced.

Common error

Avoid using "can be contaminated" in situations where it might unnecessarily incite fear or anxiety. Opt for more nuanced language if the risk is minimal or hypothetical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be contaminated" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates the possibility or potential for something to become impure or polluted by external factors. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be contaminated" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the possibility of something becoming impure or polluted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, especially within scientific literature, news reports, and encyclopedic entries. While applicable across different registers, it is best used with precision to avoid alarmism and to accurately convey potential risks. Alternatives such as "may be polluted" or "is at risk of contamination" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is at risk of contamination

Emphasizes the potential for contamination to occur.

may be polluted

Focuses on the introduction of pollutants, implying a more general form of contamination.

is vulnerable to pollution

Highlights the susceptibility to becoming polluted, shifting the focus to the inherent risk.

could be tainted

Implies a degradation in quality, often through the addition of something undesirable.

might be adulterated

Specifically suggests the addition of inferior or harmful substances.

can be corrupted

Emphasizes a loss of integrity or original state due to external influence.

can be infected

Points to contamination by a biological agent, such as bacteria or viruses.

can be spoiled

Refers to the degradation of food or other perishable items.

can be defiled

Suggests a violation or desecration, often in a moral or spiritual sense.

can be sullied

Implies a tarnishing of reputation or purity.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be contaminated" to describe the possibility of something becoming impure or polluted. For example, "The water supply "can be contaminated" by bacteria if not properly treated."

What are some alternatives to saying "can be contaminated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "may be polluted", "could be tainted", or "is at risk of contamination".

Is it correct to say "can become contaminated" instead of "can be contaminated"?

Yes, "can become contaminated" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

What types of things are most likely to "can be contaminated"?

Common examples include food, water, soil, and medical supplies. Any substance or environment susceptible to pollution or impurity "can be contaminated".