could be harmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be harmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential risks or dangers that someone or something may face. Example: "If the safety protocols are not followed, individuals in the area could be harmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If their meetings became known, one of them could be harmed, the old revolutionary told him.

The New York Times

"Because at this time some people could be harmed because of their faith," he said.

The New Yorker

It warned that ties with Washington could be harmed if Russian firms are penalized.

The New York Times

If the proposed rule stands, countless low-income Americans could be harmed.

The New York Times

Mr. Morin seemed unconcerned about how people could be harmed by his company's carelessness.

The New York Times

"If one of them eats sickened livestock, the entire species could be harmed".

The Guardian

But some doctors say they are worried that some patients still taking Cardura could be harmed.

The New York Times

Mr. Molnar says students could be harmed by the promotion of products through schools.

The New York Times

Should I? R.R., NEW YORK Here is how several people could be harmed.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned him he could be harmed by the Klan.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney could be harmed, of course, if one of the opponents — probably Mr. Gingrich — were to drop out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add clarity, specify the type of harm (physical, emotional, financial) that "could be harmed".

Common error

Avoid using "could be harmed" excessively in passive constructions. Opt for active voice where possible to create more direct and engaging sentences. For instance, instead of "The environment could be harmed by pollution", consider "Pollution could harm the environment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be harmed" functions as a passive construction, indicating a potential for harm or damage to be inflicted upon someone or something. It describes a possible outcome rather than a definite action, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be harmed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the possibility of harm or damage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to academic discussions. When writing, be mindful of the passive voice and specify the source and type of potential harm for clarity. By considering alternatives and avoiding overuse, you can effectively communicate potential risks while maintaining a clear and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be at risk

Highlights the potential for danger or negative consequences, emphasizing the uncertainty.

might be injured

Focuses specifically on physical harm or injury, changing the scope from general harm to physical damage.

may sustain injuries

Focuses specifically on physical injuries that may occur.

could be endangered

Emphasizes a threat to survival or well-being, often used in the context of species or environments.

might suffer damage

Focuses on the potential for something to be damaged, which can be physical or abstract.

could be adversely affected

Highlights the potential for a negative impact or change.

may experience adverse effects

Highlights the potential for negative consequences or side effects, often in a medical or scientific context.

might be compromised

Highlights the potential for something to be weakened or put at risk.

could face repercussions

Focuses on the potential for negative consequences or penalties as a result of an action.

might incur losses

Focuses on the potential for financial or other types of losses.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be harmed" to indicate a potential risk or danger, such as "If safety protocols are not followed, individuals in the area "could be harmed"".

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

You can use alternatives like "might be injured", "may be at risk", or "could be endangered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be harmed" or "could be hurt"?

Both "could be harmed" and "could be hurt" are correct, but "could be harmed" is generally used in more formal contexts to indicate a broader range of potential negative impacts, while "could be hurt" often implies physical injury or emotional distress.

What's the difference between "could be harmed" and "might be harmed"?

"Could be harmed" and "might be harmed" are very similar in meaning, both indicating a possibility of harm. "Might" often suggests a slightly lower probability than "could", but the difference is subtle.