could be endangered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be endangered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential risk of extinction or harm to a species, group, or situation. Example: "Many species of animals could be endangered due to habitat loss and climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

One was that the transition to democracy could be endangered.

The Economist

The president's relaxed air could be endangered after the Labor Day weekend.

The New York Times

He said the Iraqis' lives could be endangered by militants if they returned home.

The New York Times

Last year, the court concluded that Germany's national sovereignty could be endangered by some parts of the Lisbon Treaty.

The New York Times

That trend could be endangered if Sunni leaders are not part of a deal on the constitution.

The New York Times

Kenny suggested that the political settlement in Northern Ireland could be endangered if the UK votes to leave the EU.

The Guardian

He said he did not want to shout and bring more people to the scene who could be endangered.

The New York Times

The survival of small firms "could be endangered" by the centralization of markets and regulation, he said.

The New York Times

They worried that rituals such as the hina matsuri, or Festival of Dolls, an annual celebration of young girls and the state of matrimony, could be endangered.

The Economist

If seats collapse or belts fail, he said, those seated nearby could be endangered from "the unrestrained motion of the passenger".

The New York Times

Many Democratic leaders are sounding increasingly resigned that Democrats will lose the House of Representatives, and they express fears that their Senate majority could be endangered as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "could be endangered" with a specific cause or threat to enhance clarity and provide context. For example, "This species could be endangered due to habitat loss" is more informative than simply stating "This species could be endangered".

Common error

Avoid using "could be endangered" without specifying what is at risk or the potential cause. Overusing the phrase in a vague manner weakens its impact and can make your writing less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be endangered" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility and potential risk. It highlights that something is not currently endangered, but faces a credible threat of becoming so in the future. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

18%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be endangered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses the potential risk of something becoming endangered. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is diverse, spanning from political commentary to scientific reporting. The primary context is News & Media, making it suitable for raising awareness and prompting action. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly specify what is at risk and the potential causes to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be threatened

Similar to "may be at risk" but with a stronger connotation of potential harm.

may be at risk

Offers a more general sense of potential danger.

could be imperiled

A more formal synonym indicating serious danger.

may be jeopardized

Indicates that something is being put at risk or in danger.

might be under threat

Emphasizes the existence of a current danger.

could become extinct

Specifically refers to the possibility of extinction in the future.

may be vulnerable

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or damage.

might face extinction

Focuses specifically on the risk of extinction.

could suffer harm

Directly expresses the potential for negative impact or damage.

might be compromised

Suggests a weakening or undermining of something's integrity or viability.

FAQs

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

Use "could be endangered" to express the possibility of something facing risk or extinction. For example, "The coral reefs "could be endangered" if ocean temperatures continue to rise".

What are some alternatives to saying "could be endangered"?

You can use alternatives like "might be threatened", "may be at risk", or "could become extinct" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be endangered" or "is endangered"?

"Could be endangered" expresses a possibility, while "is endangered" states a current condition. Use "could be endangered" when discussing a potential future risk, and "is endangered" when referring to something already facing a high risk of extinction.

What's the difference between "could be endangered" and "could be threatened"?

While similar, "endangered" often implies a higher level of risk than "threatened". "Could be endangered" typically suggests a species is closer to extinction, whereas "could be threatened" indicates a potential for future endangerment.