could be manipulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be manipulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something has the potential to be influenced or controlled in a certain way. Example: "The data collected from the experiment could be manipulated to support various hypotheses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moreover, the Citadel settlement is an important example of how price improvement statistics could be manipulated.

Columbia University

A second question concerns the ease with which the rudder could be manipulated.

The New York Times

Suciu analyzed the source code for these programs, and he found it could be manipulated.

MIT Technology Review

To add to the confusion, people began to learn that photographs could be manipulated.

The New York Times - Arts

Especially once the Libor scandal gave a clear signal of how markets could be manipulated.

The Guardian - Business

But a consumer group, Fairer Finance, has warned that such tests could be manipulated.

Independent

If it goes through unchanged, tax experts and others offer several examples of how the Bush proposal could be manipulated.

The New York Times

Some human rights advocates suspect that the security committees, ostensibly a local response to high crime levels, could be manipulated.

The New York Times

Some eastern European officials fear a Georgia-like local or regional conflict, where existing antagonisms could be manipulated.

The New York Times

Among the aforementioned mechanisms by which CO2 is rendered immobile, solubility and mineralization are the ones that could be manipulated.

Petroleum Science

Taylor interjected that there is no way that the market could be manipulated.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be manipulated", consider the ethical implications and potential negative connotations. Ensure your writing clearly conveys the intent and avoids unintentional accusations.

Common error

Avoid using "could be manipulated" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate to make your statements more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be manipulated" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential for something to be influenced or controlled, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be manipulated" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the potential for something to be influenced or controlled, often with negative implications. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase's versatility across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While it's important to consider the ethical implications and potential negative connotations when using this phrase, it remains a valuable tool for expressing concern or caution about vulnerability to external influence. Alternatives like "could be influenced" or "could be controlled" can provide nuanced options for conveying similar meanings. Overall, "could be manipulated" is a widely understood and applicable phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be influenced

Focuses on the potential for impact or change, differing slightly from direct control.

could be controlled

Emphasizes direct authority and management, rather than subtle influence.

could be affected

Highlights the potential for being impacted, without necessarily implying intentional manipulation.

could be altered

Focuses on the possibility of change or modification, lacking the negative connotation of manipulation.

could be swayed

Implies persuasion or influence, often in a decision-making context.

could be exploited

Highlights the potential for selfish usage, implying an abuse of power.

could be guided

Suggests a more positive form of influence, leading or directing something.

could be directed

Implies a specific path or course is being set, which might not be manipulation.

could be shaped

Focuses on the process of molding or forming something, lacking the deceptive aspect of manipulation.

could be governed

Highlights the possibility of being ruled or regulated, rather than secretly controlled.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be manipulated" to indicate that something has the potential to be influenced or controlled, often in a negative way. For example: "The data "could be manipulated" to support false claims."

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

You can use alternatives like "could be influenced", "could be controlled", or "could be altered" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "could be influenced" and "could be manipulated"?

"Could be influenced" suggests a general impact or change, while "could be manipulated" implies a more deliberate and often deceptive control.

Is "could be manipulated" a formal or informal phrase?

"Could be manipulated" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but its negative connotation should be considered when choosing your words. Formal contexts might benefit from a more neutral term like "could be adjusted" depending on the goal of your phrase.