can be ostracized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be ostracized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an individual or group may be excluded or shunned by others, often due to their behavior or beliefs. Example: "In some communities, those who express unpopular opinions can be ostracized by their peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We live in a very polarized environment, where celebrities speaking out can be ostracized.

The New Yorker

Furthermore I believe a strong case can be made that he has acted contrary to the tenets of Islam and can be ostracized from the community of believing Muslims.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Detractors, while acknowledging the need to combat a national childhood obesity epidemic, say segregating out-of-shape students can be ostracizing in an environment where they may already be vulnerable to teasing.

Forbes

You can expect to be ostracized for that act alone.

Los Angeles Times

All civilizations have rules and if you violate them you can expect to be ostracized from the tribe".

Huffington Post

It affects 2 million women across Africa and can cause them to be ostracized from their families and communities, as well as leaving them with ongoing health problems.

Forbes

Latin America's leaders need to make clear that Mr. Ch z has only two possible moves now: He can become a responsible neighbor or be ostracized.

The New York Times

The stigma associated with having HIV can still cause a person to lose their job or housing or be ostracized by friends or family.

Huffington Post

A woman can deliberately "pollute" a man by flicking him with the end of her skirt, causing him to be ostracized.

The New York Times

Will we be ostracized?

The Washington Post

I'd be ostracized at school.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "can be ostracized", consider the audience and the potential impact of the statement. Ensure the context clearly explains why the ostracism might occur.

Common error

Avoid using "can be ostracized" without providing specific reasons or context. Vague statements about potential ostracism can be misleading and create unnecessary fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be ostracized" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the potential for an individual or group to be subjected to social exclusion. Ludwig shows it describes a possible consequence of certain actions or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be ostracized" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the potential for social exclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and general contexts, serving to inform or warn about possible repercussions. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization to maintain accuracy and avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like ""may face exclusion"" or "could be shunned" to subtly alter the tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may face exclusion

Uses 'face exclusion' instead of 'be ostracized', indicating a potential rather than a certainty.

could be shunned

Replaces 'ostracized' with 'shunned', a more informal synonym, and 'can' with 'could'.

might be excluded

Substitutes 'can' with 'might' and 'ostracized' with 'excluded', softening the statement.

may be marginalized

Employs 'marginalized', focusing on a reduction in social standing rather than complete exclusion.

might suffer rejection

Replaces 'ostracized' with 'suffer rejection', emphasizing the negative impact.

could be isolated

Uses 'isolated', highlighting the aspect of being separated from others.

risk being alienated

Focuses on the risk of alienation, implying a potential loss of connection.

are liable to be excluded

Uses a more formal tone with 'are liable to be excluded'.

are in danger of being shunned

Emphasizes the danger of being shunned, increasing the severity.

encounter social stigma

Shifts the focus to encountering social stigma, highlighting the societal aspect.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "can be ostracized"?

It means someone might be excluded or shunned by a group or community, typically due to their actions, beliefs, or characteristics.

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

Example: "In some traditional communities, individuals who deviate from cultural norms "may face exclusion" and "can be ostracized".

What are some alternatives to saying someone "can be ostracized"?

You could say they "could be shunned", "might be excluded", or "may be marginalized" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What causes someone to "can be ostracized"?

Reasons vary widely, from violating social norms and expressing unpopular opinions to having a stigmatized illness or belonging to a disfavored group. These actions can cause the individual to "risk being alienated" from their community.