could be damaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be damaged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility of harm or deterioration to an object or situation. Example: "The package was left out in the rain and could be damaged if not retrieved soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Water supplies could be damaged and aquatic life would die".

The Guardian

Otherwise, Mr. Fielstein said, his own reputation could be damaged.

The New York Times

Both sides acknowledged they could be damaged by the impasse.

The New York Times

It has been long recognized that piles could be damaged under major lateral loading environments.

Construction and Building Materials

A monitor is packed by cushioning materials because it could be damaged during transportation.

Advances in Engineering Software

Its warnings that America's growth industry could be damaged carry weight.

The New York Times

"If they stick them in a pocket, they could be damaged".

The New York Times

James Forsyth, at Coffee House, says the Lib Dems could be damaged by this too.

The Guardian

Infrastructure could be damaged by allied bombing or "the withdrawing government forces," the document says.

The New York Times

Some of the rods could be damaged and, therefore, could leak radiation.

The Washington Post

Glasgow University academics predict that almost £4bn worth of infrastructure could be damaged by coastal erosion.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "could be damaged", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the damaging and what is being damaged to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify, "The equipment could be damaged by exposure to high temperatures."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "could be damaged" as they can make your writing seem vague and less direct. Sometimes, an active voice construction provides better clarity and impact. For instance, instead of saying "The vase could be damaged if dropped", consider "Dropping the vase could damage it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be damaged" functions as a passive construction indicating a potential state or condition. It suggests that something has the possibility of being harmed or impaired. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is a very common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be damaged" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential for harm or deterioration. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and very common. The phrase appears frequently in news, science, and general writing, serving to highlight risks and vulnerabilities. For clearer and more impactful writing, consider using active voice constructions where appropriate, but understand that "could be damaged" serves as a valuable tool for expressing possibilities and concerns in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be harmed

Replaces "damaged" with "harmed", focusing on potential injury or negative impact.

might be harmed

Uses "might" instead of "could", indicating a slightly lower probability or a more tentative possibility of harm.

may be harmed

Substitutes "could" with "may", suggesting a possibility that is perhaps more formal or uncertain.

could suffer damage

Replaces "be damaged" with "suffer damage", highlighting the negative experience of undergoing damage.

might sustain damage

Uses "sustain damage" for a more formal or emphatic expression of potential harm.

may sustain damage

Employs "may sustain damage", indicating a slightly formal possibility of incurring damage.

is at risk of damage

Indicates a state of being in danger of experiencing damage.

risks being damaged

Emphasizes the risk involved, presenting the potential for damage as a likely outcome.

faces potential damage

Frames the damage as a future possibility that needs to be considered or avoided.

is susceptible to damage

Highlights the vulnerability to damage, suggesting a pre-existing weakness or predisposition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could be damaged" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "may sustain damage" or "is susceptible to damage". These alternatives convey the same meaning with a higher level of formality.

What's a simpler way to say "could be damaged"?

Simpler alternatives include "might get hurt" or "may break". These options are more direct and easier to understand in everyday conversation.

Is there a difference between "could be damaged" and "will be damaged"?

"Could be damaged" indicates a possibility or potential for damage, while "will be damaged" implies a certainty or high probability that damage will occur. The former expresses uncertainty, while the latter expresses a prediction.

When should I use "could be damaged" instead of "might be damaged"?

Both "could be damaged" and "might be damaged" express possibility, but "could" suggests a slightly higher probability than "might". Use "could" when the potential for damage is somewhat more likely based on the circumstances.