could be hurt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be hurt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone experiencing emotional or physical pain. Example: "If you continue to push him away, he could be hurt by your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Reinsurers, though, could be hurt.

The Economist

Brooks could be hurt upstairs.

The New Yorker

Whole industries could be hurt, they said.

The New York Times

If they go back to school, they could be hurt by the delay.

The New York Times

"We just knew this was real," Mulloy said, "and a lot of people could be hurt".

The New Yorker

If hardliners gain ground, the party could be hurt more in future.

The Economist

The Texas budget, too, could be hurt by lost oil and gas taxes.

The New Yorker

If it shows an increase instead, the dollar's value could be hurt.

The New York Times

Films from more independent studios, or edgier films in general, could be hurt most.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Thursfield warned that Ford's recovery could be hurt by several problems outside its control.

The New York Times

While wine lovers savor the differences among vintages, patients could be hurt by inconsistencies in drugs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be hurt", consider the context to determine whether physical or emotional harm is implied. Choose alternative phrasing to add clarity.

Common error

While "could be hurt" is acceptable in most situations, avoid overuse in formal writing where more precise language may be preferred, such as "might sustain injuries" or "may be harmed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be hurt" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential outcome. It suggests that there is a chance someone or something might experience physical or emotional pain or damage. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be hurt" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the possibility of physical or emotional harm. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that the phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources and carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. While generally acceptable, more formal alternatives may be preferable in specific academic or scientific settings. Related phrases such as "might be injured" or "may be harmed" offer subtle variations in meaning and formality. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the specific context and intended nuance to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be injured

Replaces "could" with "might" and "hurt" with "injured", offering a slightly more formal tone.

may be harmed

Substitutes "could" with "may" and "hurt" with "harmed", suggesting a potentially more severe consequence.

might sustain injuries

Replaces "could be hurt" with a more descriptive term, focusing on the potential for physical harm.

could suffer damage

Emphasizes the potential for suffering negative consequences or harm.

might experience pain

Focuses specifically on the potential for physical or emotional pain.

may come to grief

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the possibility of experiencing misfortune or harm.

could be wounded

Implies that someone might receive a physical or emotional wound.

might get bruised

Focuses on the potential for minor physical harm.

may be adversely affected

Uses a more general term to indicate the potential for negative impact.

could be vulnerable

Highlights the potential for susceptibility to harm or attack.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be hurt" to express the possibility of someone experiencing physical or emotional pain. For example, "If you don't wear a helmet, you "could be injured"," or "He "might be affected" by her words".

What can I say instead of "could be hurt"?

Alternatives include "might be injured", "may be harmed", "could suffer damage", or "might experience pain", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "could be hurt" formal or informal?

"Could be hurt" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, more precise language like "may sustain injuries" or "might experience adverse effects" may be more appropriate.

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

While both phrases express the possibility of negative consequences, "could be hurt" often implies physical or emotional pain, whereas "could be harmed" suggests a potentially more severe or lasting impact. The choice depends on the degree of impact you wish to convey.