can be disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be disturbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is susceptible to interruption or disruption. Example: "The peace of the forest can be disturbed by loud noises from nearby construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the cycle becomes disrupted by erratic hormonal fluctuations, a woman's sense of well-being can be disturbed.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Reproducibility can be disturbed by noise, visual disturbances and difficulties in concentration in a noisy and uncontrolled environment.

BMC Pediatrics

Salary structures can be disturbed.

Harvard Business Review

I can be disturbed, but depressed is something different.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All of these regions can be disturbed in depressive illnesses.

The New York Times

This controlled process, however, can be disturbed resulting in disease.

International Journal of Medical Microbiology

The oxygen-carrying function of hemoglobin can be disturbed in other ways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Coal mine ventilation is an extremely complicated system that can be disturbed by several factors.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Homeostasis can be disturbed by diseases such as viruses and tumors.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

As a result of these symptoms, sufferers can find it difficult to concentrate, and sleep can be disturbed too.

Independent

A chemical equilibrium can be disturbed by changing the pressure or temperature or by applying an electric field.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be disturbed", consider the specific context to ensure the verb accurately reflects the type and extent of disruption. For instance, use it to describe sleep patterns, ecosystems, or emotional states where external factors might cause imbalance.

Common error

Avoid overusing "can be disturbed" in highly formal or academic writing, as it might sound less precise. Opt for more specific verbs like "compromised", "disrupted", or "affected" to convey a clearer understanding of the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be disturbed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is capable of being disrupted or interfered with. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its role in expressing susceptibility to interruption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be disturbed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that describes the susceptibility of something to disruption. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various contexts, including scientific, journalistic, and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, writers should consider using more specific verbs in formal contexts to enhance precision. The phrase finds common usage in science, news, and encyclopedias, making it a valuable addition to a writer's toolkit for expressing vulnerability to external factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be disrupted

A direct synonym, implying a similar level of impact and potential for interruption.

may be disrupted

Indicates a possibility of interruption, suggesting a slightly weaker impact than being disturbed.

could be affected

Focuses on the potential for influence or change, rather than direct disruption.

might be interfered with

Emphasizes the idea of external factors causing disruption.

may be destabilized

Highlights the potential for a loss of stability or order.

may be compromised

Highlights a weakening or impairment of functionality or integrity.

could be unsettled

Suggests a disturbance to peace, order, or stability.

could be undermined

Suggests a gradual weakening or erosion of stability or effectiveness.

might be perturbed

Implies a slight deviation or unsettlement from a normal state.

can be thrown off balance

Focuses on the loss of equilibrium or stability.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be disturbed" to describe something that is susceptible to interruption or disruption. For example, "The peace of the forest "can be disturbed" by loud noises" or "Sleep "can be disturbed" by stress".

What are some alternatives to "can be disturbed"?

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

Is it correct to say "can be disturb" instead of "can be disturbed"?

No, "can be disturb" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "can be disturbed", using the past participle of the verb "disturb" to form the passive voice.

What is the difference between "can be disturbed" and "can be disrupted"?

While both phrases are similar, "can be disturbed" implies a broader sense of unsettling or interruption, while "can be disrupted" often suggests a more significant or complete breakdown of something's function or state.