can be exacerbated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be exacerbated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or condition that can become worse or more severe due to certain factors. Example: "The patient's symptoms can be exacerbated by stress and lack of sleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be exacerbated by diet, too.

Independent

This can be exacerbated by a lack of public demand.

The Guardian

"It can be exacerbated if ice backs up drains and they don't work properly.

The New York Times

This can be exacerbated by development agencies providing short-term donations.

The Guardian

In alumni football, vulnerability to such injuries can be exacerbated by age and inactivity.

The New York Times - Sports

clinic that trained my psychiatrist, "bipolar disorder can be exacerbated by fluctuations in the menstrual cycle".

The New York Times

Pain and other symptoms of migraine can be exacerbated by physical activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Within BDSM communities, the typical silencing that abuse victims face can be exacerbated by the dynamics of some insular communities.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And the problem can be exacerbated when a condominium has a small number of units like this one," he said.

The New York Times

The city estimates about 1.5 million residents already suffer from high blood pressure, which can be exacerbated by overconsumption of salt.

The Guardian

This can be exacerbated when we watch our friends' or celebrities' carefully edited show-reels of their #blessed lives on social media.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be exacerbated", ensure that the factor causing the exacerbation is clearly identified to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be exacerbated" in sentences where a simpler term like "worsened" or "increased" would suffice. This ensures your writing remains concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be exacerbated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is being acted upon. It suggests that an existing condition or situation has the potential to be made worse by certain factors. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be exacerbated" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a situation or condition has the potential to worsen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in formal contexts like science, news, and business, but can also appear in more general writing. While "can be exacerbated" is a useful phrase, it's important to use it judiciously and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. Remember to always clearly identify the factors that may cause the exacerbation to ensure clarity and provide actionable information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be aggravated

Focuses on making something worse or more serious, similar to exacerbating.

could be intensified

Highlights the increase in strength or degree of something.

might be worsened

Emphasizes the potential for something to become less favorable.

can be compounded

Suggests that something is added to an existing problem, making it more complex.

can be amplified

Indicates that something is made louder or more pronounced.

may be heightened

Focuses on increasing the intensity or degree of something.

could be escalated

Emphasizes the increase in severity or intensity, often in a conflict or tense situation.

might be inflamed

Suggests making something more passionate or angry.

can be deteriorated

Highlights the decline in quality or condition of something.

may be deteriorated

Suggests the potential for something to become impaired or of lower quality.

FAQs

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

Use "can be exacerbated" to indicate that a condition, situation, or feeling may be made worse or more intense. For example, "Symptoms "can be exacerbated" by stress and lack of sleep."

What's a simpler way to say "can be exacerbated"?

Alternatives include "can be worsened", "may be aggravated", or "could be intensified", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is exacerbated" instead of "can be exacerbated"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Is exacerbated" indicates that something is currently being made worse, while ""can be exacerbated"" indicates a potential for something to be made worse.

What is the difference between "can be exacerbated" and "can be aggravated"?

While similar, "exacerbate" often implies making an existing problem worse, while "aggravate" can mean making a situation more annoying or troublesome, in addition to making it worse. "Can be exacerbated" is often used in a medical or scientific context.