can suffer from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can suffer from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a condition or issue that someone or something may experience, often in a medical or psychological context. Example: "Many individuals can suffer from anxiety during stressful situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Other dishes can suffer from indulgence.

The New Yorker

Van Dyke, too, can suffer from stagefright.

The New Yorker

Both can suffer from the same root problems.

The New York Times

Philosophers in particular can suffer from lab-coat envy.

The Guardian

LivingSocial can suffer from the same geographical spottiness as Groupon.

The New York Times - Tech

Third countries, in particular, can suffer from large currency swings.

The Economist

"People with chronic illnesses can suffer from depression.

The New York Times

Many home network products that work wirelessly over radio frequencies can suffer from the same problem.

The New York Times - Tech

But if you focus only on the yang, your body can suffer from fatigue and burnout.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This injected suppleness into works that can suffer from excess blending.

The Guardian - Music

Because Bafta sticks strictly to the previous calendar year, its nominations can suffer from time-lag.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can suffer from", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the potential negative consequence is specific. Avoid vague statements; provide context for clarity. For example, instead of "people can suffer from", specify "people with chronic illnesses can suffer from depression".

Common error

Avoid using "can suffer from" repetitively in a single text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "experience", "encounter", or "be affected by" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can suffer from" functions as a verb phrase indicating a potential negative consequence or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express the possibility of experiencing something detrimental, like an illness or negative impact. Examples show it describing potential problems affecting diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can suffer from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a potential negative consequence or condition. As Ludwig AI explains, it's widely employed across diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science. While alternatives like "may experience" or "might be affected by" exist, "can suffer from" clearly conveys the possibility of a detrimental outcome. It's important to use the phrase with a clear subject and specific consequence, avoiding overuse and ensuring variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may experience

Replaces "suffer" with a more general term for encountering something, lessening the negative connotation.

might be affected by

Focuses on the potential impact or influence rather than the direct suffering.

could be vulnerable to

Highlights susceptibility and potential weakness in the face of a particular threat.

is susceptible to

Emphasizes a predisposition to being negatively impacted.

runs the risk of developing

Specifically points to the chance of a condition or problem emerging over time.

is prone to

Indicates a natural inclination or tendency towards experiencing something negative.

may be subject to

Suggests that something could be imposed upon or inflicted.

can be afflicted with

Emphasizes the suffering and distress caused by a disease or problem.

potentially develop

Focuses on the possibility of developing an issue.

could succumb to

Indicates yielding or giving way to a negative influence or pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "can suffer from" in a sentence?

The phrase "can suffer from" is used to indicate a potential negative consequence or condition that someone or something might experience. For example: "Modern hard disks "can suffer from" low performance before failing completely."

What are some alternatives to "can suffer from"?

You can use alternatives like "may experience", "might be affected by", or "could be vulnerable to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can suffer with" instead of "can suffer from"?

While "suffer with" is sometimes used, ""can suffer from"" is generally preferred and considered more standard, especially in formal writing. "Suffer with" often implies enduring or coping with something, whereas "can suffer from" points to the potential for developing a condition.

What's the difference between "can suffer from" and "is affected by"?

"Can suffer from" implies a potential negative outcome or condition. "Is affected by" is a broader term that simply indicates an influence or impact, which may or may not be negative. For example, "The economy is affected by interest rates" doesn't necessarily mean the economy is suffering.