can be perpetrated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be perpetrated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts discussing actions or crimes that can be carried out or committed. Example: "Various forms of fraud can be perpetrated by individuals seeking to exploit vulnerable victims."

✓ Grammatically correct

Child sexual abuse

Rape

Online fraud

Workplace bullying

Eugenics

Attacks

Family violence

Corporate fraud

Racial injustice

Elder abuse

Illegal treatments

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This abuse can be perpetrated inside or outside the family.

Neuropsychiatrie de l'Enfance et de l'Adolescence

Such silence advertises that rape can be perpetrated with impunity.

The New York Times

I hope that explicitly defining the term will highlight, for law enforcement especially, that rape is genderless and can be perpetrated on anyone of any age.

The New York Times

Others, younger and more familiar with the appeal of online relationships, and perhaps more aware of the frauds that can be perpetrated, find him an all too believable victim.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is cases like these which conspire to make us painfully aware that child sexual abuse can be perpetrated by other children and so heighten our already existing anxiety about child sexuality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although the horrors of eugenics should serve as a sobering reminder of the evil that can be perpetrated in the name of progress, they should not stifle discussion in the academy about the responsible implementation of genetic engineering in the future.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

However, abuse occurs at similar rates in same-sex relationships and can also be perpetrated by women against men.

Huffington Post

For now, the fraud can no longer be perpetrated.

Forbes

Furthermore, heightened fear of terrorist violence -- which can, of course, be perpetrated by people of any race or religious background -- has, shall we say, not brought out the better angels of our country's nature in recent times.

Huffington Post

It can happen anywhere and be perpetrated by any cricketer from any nation.

The Guardian - Sport

only insures that the potential for fraud will be perpetrated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be perpetrated" when you want to emphasize the possibility of an action, especially a negative one, being carried out. It often suggests a potential for harm, injustice, or wrongdoing. It's more formal than "can be done".

Common error

Avoid using "can be perpetrated" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "can happen" or "can be done" are often more appropriate and natural in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be perpetrated" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential for an action to be carried out. As Ludwig confirms, it is used in contexts where actions, particularly negative ones, are capable of being committed. The examples illustrate its use in discussing crimes, abuses, and fraudulent activities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be perpetrated" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to denote the potential for an action, often negative, to be carried out. Ludwig confirms its validity and appropriateness in various contexts, ranging from discussions of fraud and abuse to acts of violence. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. The most authoritative sources employing this phrase include The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Guardian. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations where you want to emphasize the possibility of a negative action occurring and consider simpler alternatives like "can be committed" in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be committed

Replaces "perpetrated" with the more common and general term "committed".

can be carried out

Substitutes "perpetrated" with the phrasal verb "carried out", indicating the execution of an action.

is capable of being committed

Emphasizes the capability of something being committed using a more formal tone.

can be inflicted

Replaces "perpetrated" with "inflicted", often used when referring to harm or suffering.

can be executed

Substitutes "perpetrated" with "executed", often used in the context of plans or actions.

can be enacted

Replaces "perpetrated" with "enacted", which is often used to describe the implementation of laws or policies.

can be performed

Uses "performed" instead of "perpetrated", suitable for describing actions or tasks.

can be practiced

Employs "practiced" instead of "perpetrated", typically referring to repeated actions or behaviors.

can be exercised

Replaces "perpetrated" with "exercised", often used in relation to power, control, or rights.

can be realized

Substitutes "perpetrated" with "realized", emphasizing the actualization or materialization of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be perpetrated" is used to indicate the possibility of an action, typically a negative one, being carried out. For example: "Fraud "can be perpetrated" through online scams".

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

You can use alternatives like "can be committed", "can be carried out", or "can be inflicted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be perpetrated" or "can perpetrate"?

"Can be perpetrated" is in the passive voice, indicating something is done to someone or something. "Can perpetrate" is in the active voice, indicating someone does something. For example, "Fraud "can be perpetrated"" (passive) versus "Scammers "can perpetrate" fraud" (active).

What's the difference between "can be perpetrated" and "can happen"?

"Can be perpetrated" implies an intentional act, often involving harm or wrongdoing, while "can happen" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply intent. "Accidents can happen", but "Fraud "can be perpetrated"".