could be assassinated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be assassinated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing potential threats to someone's life or safety, often in a hypothetical or speculative manner. Example: "Given the political climate, the public figure could be assassinated if tensions escalate further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I could be assassinated".

The New York Times - Magazine

"He could be assassinated".

The New York Times

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is worried he could be assassinated if he leaves the Ecuadorian embassy, where he has been in hiding since June 2012.

Independent

Walid Jumblatt, an anti-Syrian Druze leader, predicted that more ministers and parliamentarians could be assassinated as part of a concerted effort to bring down the Lebanese government.

The Economist

This is why Raed did not think of leaving Syria, even knowing that he lived as a marked man who could be assassinated at any time.

The Washington Post

The shooting of the chimp in the cartoon also draws on people's fears that Obama could be assassinated by a crazed racist.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Albizzi soon discovered that so wealthy a man could not be assassinated so easily.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If he wins, and imposes a parallel government, he could well be assassinated.

The Economist

It is the sort of place where a government official could plausibly be assassinated in broad daylight, as happened in September, when Anna Lindh, Sweden's ebullient foreign minister, was stabbed as she shopped in downtown Stockholm.

The New York Times - Books

Coupled with the fact that you could also be assassinated…" We're now sitting in diagonally positioned chairs with a table between us, Morrissey with his stockpile of Fanta, me with my list of questions.

The Guardian - Music

The plot would include the bombing of a crowded restaurant if the Saudi ambassador could not be assassinated by other means, the complaint alleges.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "could be assassinated", ensure the context clearly suggests a potential threat due to political, ideological, or high-profile reasons, rather than a generic possibility of being killed.

Common error

Avoid using "could be assassinated" when the threat is minimal or non-existent. Overusing it can create unnecessary alarm or sound hyperbolic. Use more appropriate language if the danger is related to something else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be assassinated" functions as a passive construction expressing the possibility of someone being targeted for assassination. It's commonly used to discuss potential threats against individuals in positions of power or influence, as evidenced by Ludwig examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be assassinated" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express the potential risk of assassination for an individual, typically in a political or high-profile context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While its frequency is notable in news and media, encyclopedias and wikis, it’s essential to use it judiciously to avoid overstating the risk or creating unnecessary alarm. Alternatives like "might be murdered" or "could face assassination" offer nuanced ways to convey similar ideas. Therefore, understanding the context and intended impact is critical when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be murdered

Replaces "assassinated" with a more general term for killing, suitable when the political motive is not emphasized.

might be eliminated

Uses a more euphemistic term, often implying a planned and secretive action.

could face assassination

Focuses on the possibility of encountering such a threat.

is at risk of assassination

Highlights the danger and vulnerability to assassination.

might be targeted for assassination

Specifies that the person is a planned victim of assassination.

may be the victim of an assassination plot

Indicates the potential existence of a plot to assassinate the person.

could become a target

Describes the possibility of someone becoming the focus of a planned attack.

is in danger of being assassinated

Emphasizes the imminent threat of assassination.

could be taken out

Uses a more informal and direct way of saying someone might be killed, often implying a planned action.

might meet an untimely end

Uses a more euphemistic and indirect way of saying someone might die prematurely, possibly due to violence.

FAQs

How is "could be assassinated" typically used in a sentence?

This phrase usually appears when discussing potential risks to public figures or individuals in politically sensitive situations, for example: "The politician "could be assassinated" due to his controversial policies."

What are some alternative ways to express the idea that someone "could be assassinated"?

You can use alternatives such as "might be murdered", "could face assassination", or "is at risk of assassination", depending on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "could be assassinated" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate in formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical articles, where the context involves political or high-profile risks. However, ensure the usage is justified and not sensationalized.

What is the difference between saying someone "could be assassinated" versus "might be killed"?

While both suggest a potential death, ""could be assassinated"" implies a politically motivated or targeted killing of a prominent figure. "might be killed" is a broader term that encompasses any form of death, without necessarily implying a specific motive or target.