could be disrupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be disrupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to be interrupted or disturbed, often in contexts related to plans, processes, or systems. Example: "The supply chain could be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They usually have some function, which could be disrupted by a drug.

The New York Times

But that plan could be disrupted if inflation continues to climb faster than expected.

The New York Times

The delivery industry could be disrupted as profoundly but much more quickly than media.

The Economist

The companies feared that their businesses could be disrupted at any time because of the machines.

The New York Times - Tech

A few years later at Harvard, scientists demonstrated that circadian rhythms could be disrupted.

The New York Times

Travel could be disrupted as campaign planes are forced to divert around the storm.

The New York Times

The announcement came amid concerns that oil supplies could be disrupted by any American attack on Iraq.

The New York Times

Some organizations worry that the mail-delivery system remains vulnerable and could be disrupted by new anthrax scares.

The New York Times

But supplies could be disrupted if there were attacks on tankers, oil fields or ports in the Persian Gulf.

The New York Times

If this system could be disrupted, the parasite's thousands of genes would lose their tightly choreographed coordination.

The New York Times - Science

But the balance is so precarious that it could be disrupted by a single misguided breath or brush stroke.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be disrupted" to describe potential interruptions to planned events, established systems, or expected outcomes. For example, "Travel plans could be disrupted due to the incoming storm."

Common error

While "could be disrupted" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can weaken your writing. Consider rephrasing to use active voice when possible for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The meeting could be disrupted by the protest", try "The protest could disrupt the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be disrupted" functions as a passive verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential for interruption or disturbance. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates something may be affected negatively. Ludwig examples show it used in diverse contexts such as travel, markets, and systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be disrupted" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase that indicates a potential for interruption or disturbance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, followed by scientific and formal business contexts. While useful, remember to balance passive voice with active voice for stronger writing. Consider alternatives such as "might be interrupted" or "may be affected" depending on the nuance you want to convey. In conclusion, "could be disrupted" is a versatile phrase for expressing potential problems across diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be interrupted

Suggests a potential break or cessation, differing slightly in the nature of the impact.

may be affected

Indicates a general influence or change, less specific than complete disruption.

could be interfered with

Emphasizes external involvement causing the disturbance.

might be disturbed

Focuses on unsettling or agitating the current state.

may be hampered

Highlights a hindrance or impediment to progress or function.

could be impaired

Indicates a weakening or damaging effect.

might be undermined

Suggests a gradual weakening or erosion of stability or effectiveness.

may be compromised

Implies a reduction in quality, integrity, or security.

could be destabilized

Focuses on the loss of stability or equilibrium.

might be subverted

Highlights an undermining of power or authority.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be disrupted" is used to express a possibility of something being interrupted or disturbed. Example: "The project's timeline "could be disrupted" by unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "could be disrupted"?

Some alternatives include "might be interrupted", "may be affected", or "could be interfered with", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "could be disrupted"?

While "could be disrupted" is grammatically correct in passive voice, using active voice can sometimes make the sentence more direct and impactful. Compare "The supply chain "could be disrupted" by the strike" vs. "The strike could disrupt the supply chain".

What does "could be disrupted" imply?

The phrase "could be disrupted" implies a potential for interruption, disturbance, or negative impact on something. It suggests that the current state or planned course may not continue smoothly due to certain factors.