could be corrupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be corrupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to become damaged, altered, or compromised, particularly in contexts related to data, files, or systems. Example: "The data files were not backed up, so they could be corrupted if the system crashes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Worse, a woman could be corrupted sexually.

The New Yorker

Forgive the textual cavil, but the whole point was quite the opposite: Frodo could be corrupted.

The Guardian

Tennis has particular issues around the ease with which players on the Futures and Challenger circuit could be corrupted.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Underwood said it was the candidate to whom the money would be funneled who could be corrupted.

The New York Times

But experts fear that the process could be corrupted if research articles are skewed by the hidden influence of drug or medical device makers.

The New York Times

For another, he thought that the play's conclusion, which suggests that some people can retain a certain goodness even in that brick desert, would have no meaning if he had not shown how horribly others could be corrupted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen expressed concern earlier this year that certain groups could be corrupt or supporting terrorism.

The Guardian

These and other social welfare programs could be corrupt and inefficient, but they made the poor feel included in a society that had long ignored them.

The New York Times

She could never imagine that there could be corrupt politicians in the Islamic Republic.

Huffington Post

This year, the scariest Halloween costumes in the United States could be corrupt government officials or polluted water — at least according to a new survey ranking the top fears of Americans.

Huffington Post

These games could be corrupt or infected with viruses.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing data or digital files, use "could be corrupted" to warn against the risk of data loss or system malfunction. Regularly back up important files to prevent permanent loss from potential corruption.

Common error

While "could be corrupted" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "may be compromised" or "is susceptible to corruption" in academic or professional writing to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be corrupted" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential for something to undergo corruption. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correctly used in English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be corrupted" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the potential for something to become damaged or compromised, whether physically, morally, or digitally. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, consider using more formal alternatives in academic settings. Understanding its function and purpose allows for its effective use in writing, particularly when highlighting potential risks or vulnerabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is at risk of being corrupted

Similar to the original, but adds emphasis to the risk factor.

is vulnerable to corruption

Explicitly states the susceptibility to corruption.

may be compromised

Focuses on the potential for security or integrity to be undermined.

can be undermined

Highlights the possibility of weakening or diminishing the strength or effectiveness of something.

might be tainted

Emphasizes the potential for moral or ethical compromise.

may be subverted

Focuses on the potential for something to be overthrown or undermined, especially in a political sense.

might get perverted

Suggests a distortion or deviation from what is considered normal or correct.

can be debased

Indicates a lowering in quality or value.

could become spoiled

Highlights the potential for decay or degradation, particularly in a physical sense.

might be defiled

Suggests a loss of purity or sanctity.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be corrupted" to describe the potential for something to become damaged or compromised, as in, "Without proper security measures, the database "could be corrupted" by malicious software."

What can I say instead of "could be corrupted"?

Alternatives include "might be compromised", "may be tainted", or "is vulnerable to corruption", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "could be corrupted" or "could corrupt"?

"Could be corrupted" is passive, indicating something is acted upon, while "could corrupt" is active, indicating the ability to corrupt something else. For example, "The file "could be corrupted" by a virus," versus "The virus "could corrupt" the file."

What's the difference between "could be corrupted" and "could be damaged"?

"Could be corrupted" often refers to data or moral integrity, implying a loss of purity or accuracy. "Could be damaged" is more general and refers to physical harm or impairment. For example, a file "could be corrupted", while a hard drive "could be damaged".