could be perpetrated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be perpetrated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential actions or crimes that may be committed in the future. Example: "The investigation revealed that a series of frauds could be perpetrated if the security measures are not improved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Then, I will give you the evidence for the real killers, and how the cover up could be perpetrated.

The New York Times - Magazine

We passed a few exuberantly Californian, 19th-century houses, built in witchy Victorian gothic to exhibit what grotesque marvels could be perpetrated on redwood with lathe and chisel.

The New York Times - Magazine

That such an atrocity could be perpetrated upon innocent revellers, many of whom were celebrating New Year's Eve, underscores the savagery of the attackers".

The Guardian

Barnett, author of "Young Delinquents" (Methuen, 1913) warning readers that silent films present children with "a direct incentive to crime, demonstrating, for instance, how a theft could be perpetrated".

The Economist

In this section, we discuss serializability in light of byzantine clients and consider some attacks that could be perpetrated by byzantine clients against the deferred update replication technique.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But such devastating dumping could easily be perpetrated again in developing countries, according to a three-year investigation into the incident by Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

The Guardian

In 1953, another major revival of "Porgy and Bess" — starring the young Leontyne Price, fresh out of Juilliard — prompted James Hicks, the reviewer for the Baltimore Afro-American, to declare Gershwin's labor of love "the most insulting, the most libelous, the most degrading act that could possibly be perpetrated against the Negro people".

The New Yorker

In 1953, another major revival of "Porgy and Bess"—starring the young Leontyne Price, fresh out of Juilliard prompted James Hicks, the reviewer for the Baltimore Afro-American, to declare Gershwin's labor of love "the most insulting, the most libelous, the most degrading act that could possibly be perpetrated against the Negro people".

The New Yorker

People find it hard to believe that such injustice and abuse could happen in America, or be perpetrated by men in official uniform.

Huffington Post

only insures that the potential for fraud will be perpetrated.

The New Yorker

Such silence advertises that rape can be perpetrated with impunity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be perpetrated" when you want to emphasize the potential for something negative or harmful to be carried out. It's particularly fitting when discussing crimes, wrongdoings, or acts of deception.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "could be perpetrated" can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "could happen" or "could be done" when speaking casually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be perpetrated" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the possibility of an action being carried out by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI examples show usage in discussing potential crimes and wrongdoings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be perpetrated" is a grammatically correct modal passive construction that expresses the possibility of an action, often negative, being carried out. While considered correct by Ludwig AI, its usage is relatively rare and leans towards formal contexts such as news reports, scientific discussions, and business communications. When writing, consider simpler alternatives like "might be committed" or "could happen" for more casual settings. Remember that using "could be perpetrated" emphasizes the potential for something undesirable to occur.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be committed

Replaces "perpetrated" with "committed", suggesting a less formal tone.

could be carried out

Uses "carried out" instead of "perpetrated", offering a more neutral and general alternative.

could be executed

Replaces "perpetrated" with "executed", implying a planned and deliberate action.

could be inflicted

Substitutes "perpetrated" with "inflicted", emphasizing the harm caused by the action.

could be enacted

Replaces "perpetrated" with "enacted", suggesting a more formal and official process.

could be done

Offers a simpler, more direct alternative to "could be perpetrated".

could be achieved

Replaces "perpetrated" with "achieved", shifting the focus to the accomplishment of the action.

could be realized

Uses "realized" instead of "perpetrated", emphasizing the potential for the action to become a reality.

could be accomplished

Replaces "perpetrated" with "accomplished", focusing on the successful completion of the action.

could happen

Provides a very general and simple alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

What does "could be perpetrated" mean?

The phrase "could be perpetrated" means that something, usually a negative action or crime, is possible to be carried out or committed.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "could be perpetrated"?

It is appropriate to use "could be perpetrated" when discussing potential negative actions, crimes, or wrongdoings, especially in formal or serious contexts.

What are some alternatives to "could be perpetrated"?

You can use alternatives like "might be committed", "could be carried out", or "could happen" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "could be perpetrated" formal or informal?

"Could be perpetrated" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.