could be imperiled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be imperiled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where something is at risk or in danger of harm or loss. Example: "The delicate ecosystem could be imperiled if the pollution levels continue to rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A warning that the planet could be imperiled has a way of focusing the mind wondrously.

The New York Times

These assets could be imperiled if "Auto Focus" stains Crane's reputation.

The New York Times - Magazine

But others called Popular Science's move too extreme, disagreeing that public support for science could be imperiled by unbridled comments.

The New York Times - Science

Many states monitor the federal debarment list, Mr. Schooner said, and so sales to airports, fire departments, school districts and more could be imperiled by a listing.

The New York Times

If his award is substantially reduced when the case is heard on appeal this fall, his ability to finance his business could be imperiled.

The New York Times

And China's top arms control negotiator warned last week that Beijing's arms control and nonproliferation agreements with the West could be imperiled.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The intensity of the campaign underscores the Democrats' growing confidence that some Republicans could be imperiling their re-election prospects next year by choosing to back Mr. Bush despite bipartisan support for the $35 billion expansion of the health program.

The New York Times

Switches could "corrode quite easily" if the water reaches them, Mr. Lhota said, and the electronic signaling system could also be imperiled.

The New York Times

A Russian economist I spoke to calculated that if the price of oil were to fall below $60 a barrel, and stay there, Mr. Putin's reign could soon be imperiled.

The New York Times

Genetic studies have revealed that mussel diversity in North America is even higher than past studies suggested, meaning species that were once thought to be widely distributed could in fact be imperiled.

Science Magazine

No administration could permit a default, the thinking has always been, if so many banks would be imperiled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be imperiled" when you want to express that something is in danger of being harmed or lost. It conveys a sense of serious risk and potential negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "could be imperiled" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "at risk" or "in danger" to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be imperiled" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential for something to be placed in danger or at risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Its primary function is to express a conditional state of endangerment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be imperiled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies a state of potential danger or risk. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts. While it is an appropriate and impactful way to express concern about potential harm, it is best suited for neutral to formal writing styles. For casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be more fitting. Understanding the nuances of this phrase helps ensure its accurate and effective use in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be endangered

Replaces "imperiled" with "endangered", focusing on the risk of extinction or serious harm.

could be jeopardized

Substitutes "imperiled" with "jeopardized", emphasizing the potential for failure or loss.

could be threatened

Replaces "imperiled" with "threatened", highlighting the presence of a potential danger.

might be at risk

Uses "at risk" instead of "imperiled", broadening the expression to any kind of danger.

could be compromised

Replaces "imperiled" with "compromised", suggesting that something's integrity or effectiveness is at stake.

could be undermined

Replaces "imperiled" with "undermined", emphasizing the potential weakening or destabilization of something.

could be in danger

Uses the simpler phrase "in danger" instead of "imperiled", making the sentence more straightforward.

might be vulnerable

Replaces "imperiled" with "vulnerable", focusing on the susceptibility to harm or damage.

could be unsustainable

Shifts the focus to sustainability, suggesting that something may not be able to continue in its current state.

could face extinction

Focuses on the potential for extinction, specifically applicable to species or practices.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be imperiled" is used to express that something is at risk of being harmed or endangered. For example, "The delicate ecosystem "could be imperiled" by the new construction project."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "could be jeopardized", "could be endangered", or "might be at risk", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "could be imperiled" and "could be endangered"?

While similar, "could be imperiled" suggests a broader range of potential harms or losses, whereas "could be endangered" typically refers to the risk of extinction or severe threat to survival.

When is it appropriate to use "could be imperiled" versus simpler phrases like "is at risk"?

"Could be imperiled" is suitable for more formal writing and when you want to emphasize the gravity of the situation. "Is at risk" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.