can be disrupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be disrupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is subject to interruption or disturbance. Example: "The communication network can be disrupted by severe weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Additionally, alcohol is a diuretic, so sleep can be disrupted by the need to urinate.

The New York Times

I have to take work from wherever I can, and it can be disrupted by family care needs.

The Guardian - Money

The study took into account the education of the participants, which can be disrupted by drug use.

The Guardian

Attacks can be disrupted by sunlight, moisture and wind, and some chemical agents are easily evaporated or diluted.

The New York Times

The critical behavioral evidence is that habituation can be disrupted by almost any change in the experimental conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Big industrial companies have learned that their production cycles can be disrupted if contractors are not up to the mark.

The Economist

Again, there are lots of ways this life-giving beat can be disrupted, and we meet people who have experienced some of them.

The New York Times - Arts

With a single physical floor where traders meet to negotiate stock prices, the exchange can be disrupted more easily than computer-based markets like Nasdaq.

The New York Times

Moreover, this phosphorylation can be disrupted by RNA binding.

Protein & Cell

Therefore the continuity of the IAN can be disrupted.

Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Second, in vivo stability should be determined since some nanoparticles can be disrupted in the bloodstream.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be disrupted", consider specifying the cause of the disruption for clarity. For instance, instead of saying "the process can be disrupted", specify "the process can be disrupted by external factors".

Common error

Avoid using "can be disrupted" excessively in passive constructions, as it can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Try rephrasing the sentence to use an active voice where possible to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be disrupted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the potential for something to be interrupted or disturbed. Ludwig shows this phrase is commonly used to describe a possibility rather than a certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be disrupted" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase, indicating the potential for something to be interrupted or disturbed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the cause of the disruption for clarity and to avoid overuse of passive voice. Alternatives such as "may be interrupted" or "might be disturbed" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be interrupted

Emphasizes possibility of interruption, slightly more formal than "can be disrupted".

might be disturbed

Suggests a less severe form of disruption, implying a temporary disturbance.

could be interfered with

Highlights external interference as the cause of the disruption.

is susceptible to disturbance

Focuses on the vulnerability of something to being disrupted.

is liable to be interrupted

Implies a higher probability of interruption compared to "can be disrupted".

is prone to disruption

Highlights the inherent tendency of something to be disrupted.

may suffer interruptions

Focuses on the negative consequence of the disruption.

could experience interference

Emphasizes the act of interference and its potential impact.

is at risk of interruption

Highlights the potential danger of being disrupted.

is vulnerable to disturbance

Stresses the weakness or lack of protection against disruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be disrupted" to indicate that something is susceptible to interruption or disturbance. For example: "The supply chain "can be disrupted" by unforeseen events."

What are some alternatives to "can be disrupted"?

Alternatives include "may be interrupted", "might be disturbed", or "could be interfered with", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "can be disrupted" and "will be disrupted"?

"Can be disrupted" indicates a possibility, while "will be disrupted" implies a certainty. Use ""can be disrupted"" when the disruption is not guaranteed but possible, and "will be disrupted" when it's definite.

What factors typically cause something to "can be disrupted"?

Factors that cause something to ""can be disrupted"" vary depending on the context. Examples include external interference, system failures, natural disasters, or human error.