could be exacerbated

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be exacerbated" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something can become worse or more severe. For example: - The current economic crisis could be exacerbated by the lack of government intervention. - If proper care is not taken, the patient's condition could be exacerbated. - Global warming could be exacerbated by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a trend that could be exacerbated by the current focus on reducing public spending.

The New York Times

"[But] BSkyB now faces a competitive threat which could be exacerbated by the pay TV market investigation.

The Guardian - Business

But all could be exacerbated by a spillover of the war from Colombia -- and from Plan Colombia, Washington's new military aid program.

The New York Times

Some doctors' offices ask patients not to wear perfume because some medical personnel or patients may have allergies or asthma that could be exacerbated by scent.

The New York Times

The glut could be exacerbated if an already alarming wave of foreclosures continues to broaden, claiming even those with supposedly good credit.

The New York Times

We won't be able to see from the outside but within the party the backstabbing and infighting could be exacerbated," Lam said.

The Guardian

That gap in support among women could be exacerbated by the ABC interview, which is scheduled to be broadcast Thursday night after the debate.

The New York Times

These tensions could be exacerbated by calls to negotiate with the secular Tuareg rebels, whose uprising in January 2012 started the crisis.

The New York Times

Several former players at the screening said the loss of an N.F.L. income could be exacerbated by the stripping of one's athletic identity and self-worth.

The New York Times - Sports

An alternate outcome could be exacerbated intra-party conflict between whites, blacks and Hispanics — populations frequently marked by diverging material interests.

The New York Times

As anticipated a month ago in The Ticket, that situation could be exacerbated by today's expected announcement from former Republican Rep. Bob Barr of Georgia for the Libertarian Party's presidential nod, a slot held by Paul in 1988.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be exacerbated" when you want to express that a situation or problem has the potential to become worse or more severe due to specific factors. Be clear about what is being exacerbated and what is causing the exacerbation.

Common error

Avoid using "could be exacerbated" without clearly identifying the factors that contribute to the worsening of the situation. Ensure the cause-and-effect relationship is evident to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be exacerbated" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential worsening of a situation. Ludwig examples show it is often used to express a possibility that certain conditions might intensify a problem or negative situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be exacerbated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies a potential worsening of a situation. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it frequently appears in science, news, and formal business contexts. The phrase serves as a warning, suggesting that specific factors might intensify an existing problem. For writers, it's crucial to clearly identify the cause-and-effect relationship when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "might be intensified" or "may be aggravated" to add nuance to your writing, which is consistent with what Ludwig AI has stated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be intensified

Replaces "exacerbated" with "intensified", focusing on the degree of increase.

may be aggravated

Substitutes "exacerbated" with "aggravated", suggesting a worsening of a negative condition.

could be worsened

Replaces "exacerbated" with the simpler term "worsened", making the phrase more straightforward.

might be compounded

Emphasizes the combination of negative factors, leading to a more severe outcome.

may be heightened

Focuses on the increase in intensity or severity of something.

could be escalated

Suggests a rapid increase in the seriousness of a situation.

might be amplified

Implies an increase in magnitude or effect.

may be magnified

Indicates that something will appear larger or more significant than it actually is.

could be inflamed

Suggests a condition that becomes more heated or agitated.

might be deteriorated

Emphasizes a decline in quality or condition.

FAQs

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

Use "could be exacerbated" to describe a situation that has the potential to worsen. For example, "The economic downturn "could be exacerbated" by rising interest rates."

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

You can use alternatives like "might be intensified", "may be aggravated", or "could be worsened" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "could be exacerbated" or "will be exacerbated"?

"Could be exacerbated" implies a possibility, while "will be exacerbated" suggests a higher degree of certainty. Choose the phrase that best reflects the likelihood of the situation worsening.

What's the difference between "aggravated" and "exacerbated"?

While both words indicate something is getting worse, "aggravated" often refers to making something already bad even worse, whereas "exacerbated" implies that something is being made more severe or intense. The phrase ""could be exacerbated"" is often used in formal contexts.