can be distorted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be distorted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to be misrepresented or altered from its original form or meaning. Example: "The data collected from the survey can be distorted if the sample size is not representative of the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

With increasing group size the probability that the results can be distorted by outliers or biased by selection decreases.

Plosone

Nonetheless, one might wonder about whether that perspective of love itself can be distorted and what the norms are in terms of which such distortions are intelligible.

SEP

Price structures can be distorted.

Harvard Business Review

Our perception of the physical world can be distorted.

The Economist

This means that information can be distorted or even absent depending on the browser used.

Yale University

If your fingers are too heavy or too light, the piece can be distorted".

The New Yorker

Researchers say online recommendation systems can be distorted by a minority of users.

MIT Technology Review

It can be distorted by one-off events, such as illness or funerals.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Increased utilisation of curative care is not self-evidently positive and care patterns can be distorted by provider interests and also unequal access by different groups.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

At each of these points, the signal can be distorted or somehow diminished.

Los Angeles Times

Here we will first investigate how ITPC estimates can be distorted by modulation of evoked responses.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing data or research results, use "can be distorted" to acknowledge the possibility of biases or outliers affecting the findings. This strengthens your analysis by showing awareness of potential limitations.

Common error

Avoid presenting a situation that "can be distorted" as a definitive truth. Instead, frame it as a potential outcome that requires careful consideration and analysis to mitigate its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be distorted" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for something to be misrepresented, altered, or changed from its original state. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, which demonstrate its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be distorted" is a versatile and frequently used expression that acknowledges the potential for misrepresentation or alteration. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its use is especially prevalent in news, scientific, and academic domains, serving to highlight the need for critical evaluation and awareness of potential biases. When employing this phrase, ensure that you are presenting a possibility rather than a certainty and be mindful of the context to convey the intended nuance. Consider using alternatives like "may be misrepresented" or "could be altered" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be misrepresented

Focuses on the potential for conveying an inaccurate or misleading impression.

may be misrepresented

This alternative suggests a potential for inaccurate or false representation.

could be altered

This highlights the possibility of undergoing changes or modifications.

can be warped

This alternative suggests a bending or twisting out of shape.

might be twisted

Implies a bending or warping, often with negative connotations of manipulation.

can be skewed

Suggests a slanting or bias, causing a deviation from accuracy.

can be perverted

Implies a corruption or alteration from what is considered right or acceptable.

might be falsified

Highlights the possibility of being proven untrue or incorrect.

may be corrupted

This alternative suggests a damage or an alteration of its integrity

could be exaggerated

Suggests an overstatement or an amplification beyond the truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be distorted" to express the potential for something to be misrepresented or altered. For example, "The results of the survey "can be distorted" if the sample isn't representative."

What are some alternatives to "can be distorted"?

Alternatives include "may be misrepresented", "could be altered", or "might be twisted", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct: "can be distorted" or "can distort"?

"Can be distorted" implies a passive potential for misrepresentation, while "can distort" suggests an active ability to misrepresent something else. The choice depends on whether you're describing something being acted upon or acting.

In what contexts is "can be distorted" most appropriate?

The phrase "can be distorted" is suitable in various contexts, especially when discussing data, perceptions, or information where there is a risk of misinterpretation or alteration. It's common in scientific, academic, and news-related discussions.