can be doomed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be doomed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something has the potential to fail or meet a disastrous end. Example: "Without proper planning, the project can be doomed to fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

" The model illuminates how targeted cancer therapy can be doomed even before it starts.

The New York Times - Science

With those words, heard so often in baseball, a player can be doomed to a career of backup duty.

The New York Times - Sports

And even if parents try to keep the old speech alive, their efforts can be doomed by films and computer games.The result is a growing list of tongues spoken only by white-haired elders.

The Economist

Hence, in cancer therapy, drugs with a single or few targets can be doomed to failure, since resistances are more easily to arise than if pressure is exerted on more targets [12].

Journal of Cheminformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The churches are material attempts, however imperfect, to bear witness to the hope that human beings can enrich one another rather than be doomed to exist as isolated and fragmented individuals.

The Guardian - Opinion

If he can, then the present leadership may be doomed.

The Guardian - Opinion

In short, Microsoft is poised to apply a Wal-Mart Effect to PC software (including games) in a way that not even Steam can match (and Steam may well be doomed).

TechCrunch

Amtrak may be doomed.

The New York Times

"Unless one of them can, we're doomed," said Mr. Rosenberg.

The New York Times - Style

But that does not mean that more effective checks on the mentally unstable are impossible, or that restrictions on the killing power of what can be sold are doomed to failure.

The Economist

The swan-queen heroine, Odette, is intensely vulnerable — unless Prince Siegfried's love can save her, she is doomed perpetually to return to swan form by day — but her fate is also bound up with that of her corps of swan maidens.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be doomed" to express the potential for failure when certain conditions or actions are present. For example, "A project without a clear plan can be doomed from the start."

Common error

While acceptable, using "can be doomed" repeatedly might sound overly dramatic. Opt for alternatives like "is likely to fail" or "may be destined for failure" in formal contexts to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be doomed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It suggests that something has the potential to fail or meet a disastrous end if certain conditions are met or preventative measures are not taken, as exemplified in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be doomed" is a versatile expression used to indicate the potential for failure or a disastrous outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While "can be doomed" is commonly used, it's important to consider alternative phrases like "is likely to fail" or "may be destined for failure" to avoid overuse and maintain a professional tone. Remember, context is key when using this phrase to ensure the message is clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is destined to fail

Emphasizes a predetermined negative outcome.

may be headed for disaster

Highlights the possibility of a catastrophic result.

is at risk of collapsing

Focuses on the present danger of failure.

is likely to collapse

Suggests an imminent and complete failure.

may face certain defeat

Suggests unavoidable loss or failure.

could be set up to fail

Implies external factors are contributing to the potential failure.

might be prone to failure

Indicates a predisposition or vulnerability to failing.

is subject to downfall

Highlights potential for moral or ethical failing.

could suffer a setback

Emphasizes a delay or reversal in progress, rather than complete failure.

might not succeed

Offers a less forceful way of saying something may fail.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "can be doomed"?

When something "can be doomed", it means it has a high likelihood of failing or meeting an unfortunate end, especially if certain preventative measures aren't taken.

How to use "can be doomed" in a sentence?

You can use "can be doomed" to describe situations or actions that have the potential for disaster. For example, "A relationship without trust can be doomed from the beginning."

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

You can use alternatives like "is likely to fail", "may be destined for failure", or "is at risk" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be doomed" or "is doomed"?

"Can be doomed" implies a possibility, while "is doomed" suggests a certainty. The choice depends on whether the failure is definite or potential.