can be persecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be persecuted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the potential for someone or a group to face persecution due to their beliefs, identity, or actions. Example: "Individuals who express dissenting opinions in authoritarian regimes can be persecuted for their views."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It means important stories in the public interest can be silenced before they ever become known, and whistleblowers can be persecuted and prosecuted".

The Guardian

It shows the diverse ways a writer can be persecuted - from brief detentions and fines, to long-term imprisonment, exile and the ultimate form of censorship - death.

The Guardian - Books

Although the welfare benefits it offers asylum-seekers are not the most generous in the European Union, British judges interpret the 1951 convention more liberally than others, by accepting that refugees can be persecuted by groups and not just states.

The Economist

"Accessing metadata to hunt down journalists' sources, regardless of the procedures used, threatens press freedom and democracy," said the alliance's chief executive, Paul Murphy". "It means important stories in the public interest can be silenced before they ever become known, and whistleblowers can be persecuted and prosecuted".

The Guardian

"If this motion passes, Canadians can be persecuted for expressing any criticism of Islam, even when warranted".

Vice

According to EU law, facing persecution for being homosexual is a reason to be granted asylum, in the same way you can be persecuted for your political beliefs.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

However, both men and women can still be persecuted for not conforming to gender stereotypes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not to put too fine a point on it, but before you can truly be persecuted for being Christian, you would need to actually behave in a manner that at least somewhat resembles Christ.

Huffington Post

Now the conflict is over, the question is: How can minorities there not be persecuted?" As she said, the proof is in the pudding. .

Huffington Post

Where can they go?" Blucher said many of the men would be persecuted and targeted if they returned home.

Huffington Post

Those wildlife species that can adapt to marginal human-dominated habitats may become pests and be persecuted as a consequence.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "can be persecuted" with a specific consequence or impact to underscore the severity. For example, "can be persecuted and imprisoned" or "can be persecuted, leading to displacement".

Common error

Avoid using "can be persecuted" without a clear indication of who might do the persecuting or why. Vague statements weaken the argument and undermine credibility. Provide context and specify the potential perpetrators or systemic issues at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be persecuted" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of being subjected to unjust or oppressive treatment. It's often used to highlight the vulnerability of certain groups or individuals. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where the phrase appears in contexts discussing human rights and political freedom.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be persecuted" effectively conveys the possibility of someone facing unjust treatment due to their identity, beliefs, or actions. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a range of contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science sources, emphasizing its relevance in discussions about human rights, political freedom, and social justice. While alternatives such as "may be victimized" or "could be oppressed" exist, "can be persecuted" specifically denotes the potential for systematic and severe oppression. Therefore, using the phrase accurately and with appropriate context helps to effectively communicate the risk of persecution faced by vulnerable groups.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be unfairly targeted

Focuses on the injustice of being singled out for negative attention or action.

may be victimized

Focuses on the experience of being a victim, implying harm or unfair treatment, but without necessarily the systematic nature of persecution.

may suffer injustice

Focuses on the potential for experiencing unfairness or inequity.

could be oppressed

Highlights the exercise of power and control, where the subjects are weighted down by the power and control over them.

could be subjected to harassment

Indicates a possibility of experiencing unwanted or offensive behavior.

might be discriminated against

Emphasizes unfair treatment based on specific characteristics or affiliations.

may face retribution

Suggests a possibility of retaliation or revenge for actions or beliefs.

are at risk of marginalization

Indicates a potential for being pushed to the fringes of society, lacking full participation or access to resources.

are susceptible to abuse

Highlights a vulnerability to being mistreated, exploited, or harmed.

might encounter prejudice

Emphasizes the anticipation of facing preconceived judgments or biases.

FAQs

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

Use "can be persecuted" to indicate the possibility of facing harm or oppression due to one's identity, beliefs, or actions. For example, "Minorities in certain regions "can be persecuted" for their religious beliefs."

What are some alternatives to "can be persecuted"?

Alternatives include "may be victimized", "could be oppressed", or "might be discriminated against", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "can be persecuted" or "are persecuted"?

"Can be persecuted" suggests a possibility or risk of persecution, while "are persecuted" indicates that persecution is actively happening. The choice depends on whether you're describing a potential threat or a current reality.

What distinguishes being "discriminated against" from "can be persecuted"?

While discrimination involves unfair treatment, "can be persecuted" implies a more severe and systematic oppression, potentially involving violence, imprisonment, or other forms of serious harm. Discrimination is a broader term that encompasses many types of unfair treatment, while persecution is more targeted and egregious.