could be broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be broken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility or potential for something to be damaged or disrupted. Example: "The fragile vase could be broken if it is not handled carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could be broken.

Independent

This long sentence could be broken up.

The New York Times

That major duck could be broken yet.

The Guardian - Sport

But worse than that, she said, her children's hearts could be broken again.

The New York Times

Among organizers, there is nervousness that the festive spirit could be broken by an ugly episode.

The New York Times

In theory, the logjam could be broken at any time in the coming days.

The Guardian - Business

The separate fragile peace between the north and south of Sudan could be broken too.

The Economist

The thought is real, therefore, that the Kennedy string could be broken.

Independent

Now this space could be broken up by vertical panels that slotted together in many ways.

The Economist

Their answers could be broken down by the respondents' level of education.

The Economist

I couldn't have sharp edges, or things that could be broken.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be broken", ensure the context clearly indicates what is at risk of being broken, whether it's a physical object, a promise, or an agreement. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "could be broken" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider active constructions where appropriate to create a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be broken" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility in the passive voice. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness. It is used to suggest that something has the potential to be damaged, disrupted, or violated, as seen in examples like "The fragile peace could be broken" or "Promises could be broken".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be broken" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating a possibility of damage, disruption, or violation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. It's important to consider the specific context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and to avoid overuse of the passive voice. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communication, from formal reports to informal discussions. Remember to use it strategically to highlight potential vulnerabilities or negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be damaged

Indicates a possibility of physical harm or impairment.

may be disrupted

Focuses on the potential for interruption or disturbance.

can be shattered

Emphasizes the potential for complete and sudden destruction.

is liable to fail

Highlights the susceptibility to malfunction or breakdown.

is at risk of collapsing

Suggests an impending structural failure or breakdown.

could be compromised

Focuses on the potential for security breaches or vulnerability.

might fall apart

Indicates a possibility of disintegration or fragmentation.

may be undermined

Emphasizes the potential for weakening or subversion.

can be invalidated

Suggests a possibility of rendering something null or void.

is susceptible to fracturing

Highlights a vulnerability to cracking or splitting.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be broken" to express a possibility of something being damaged, disrupted, or violated. For example, "The vase "could be broken" if it falls" or "The agreement "could be broken" if either party fails to comply".

What are some alternatives to "could be broken"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might be damaged", "may be disrupted", or "can be shattered", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could be broken" or "might be broken"?

"Could be broken" and "might be broken" are often interchangeable, both expressing a possibility. However, "could" sometimes implies a potential within a specific set of conditions, while "might" suggests a more general possibility. The choice depends on the specific context.

What does "could be broken down" mean, and how is it different from "could be broken"?

"Could be broken down" implies a process of decomposition or analysis into smaller parts, while ""could be broken"" suggests physical damage or violation of a non-physical entity like a rule. The meanings are distinct and depend on the situation.