could be affected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be affected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a potential outcome or consequence of a certain condition or situation. For example, "The community's confidence in its leaders could be affected by the recent scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any precise golf maneuver could be affected".

The New York Times

Up to 30 institutions could be affected.

The New York Times

Numerous jobs could be affected.

The New York Times

Dive clubs could be affected".

The New York Times

Nevertheless, it could be affected.

The New York Times

"Millions of people could be affected.

The Guardian

Sixty-one universities could be affected.

The Times

Nearly 700,000 patients could be affected.

The Times

She said hundreds could be affected.

The Washington Post

Transportation could be affected even more profoundly.

MIT Technology Review

Ecology, fisheries and tourism could be affected.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be affected", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is doing the affecting. This provides context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "could be affected" without specifying what is likely to be affected. Vague statements can lead to confusion and weaken your argument. For example, instead of saying "The economy could be affected", specify "The tourism sector of the economy could be affected by the new regulations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be affected" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential outcome or consequence. It signifies that something has the possibility of being influenced, changed, or impacted by a particular factor or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be affected" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of something being influenced or changed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news, academic writing, and scientific reports. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly state what is affecting what to maintain clarity. Remember that while "could be affected" implies possibility, alternative phrases like "will be affected" suggest a higher degree of certainty. Therefore, choose your words carefully based on the level of confidence you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be influenced

Replaces "affected" with "influenced", suggesting a change in condition or behavior due to an external factor.

may be impacted

Substitutes "affected" with "impacted", emphasizing the force or effect of something on something else.

might experience consequences

Replaces the direct effect with the broader term of experiencing consequences, good or bad.

could undergo changes

Focuses on the process of changing, rather than a direct impact from outside.

may be subject to change

Indicates a possibility of alteration or modification.

might feel the effects of

Emphasizes the experience of feeling or sensing the impact.

may be vulnerable to

Highlights the susceptibility of something to being affected negatively.

could see repercussions

Focuses on the aftereffects or results of a particular action or situation.

may face alterations

Implies that changes are imminent or likely to occur.

might be at risk

Highlights potential danger or negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "could be affected" in a sentence?

Use "could be affected" to express that something has a chance of being influenced or changed by something else. For example, "The company's profits "could be affected" by the new tariffs."

What are some alternatives to "could be affected"?

Alternatives include "might be influenced", "may be impacted", or "might experience consequences", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be affected" formal or informal?

"Could be affected" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it widely applicable in various writing styles.

What's the difference between "could be affected" and "will be affected"?

"Could be affected" suggests a possibility, whereas "will be affected" indicates a higher degree of certainty. Use "could" when the outcome is uncertain and "will" when the outcome is more predictable.