could be trafficked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be trafficked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the illegal trade of goods, people, or substances. Example: "The authorities are concerned that these endangered species could be trafficked across borders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Thieves subsequently entered many of the properties and stripped them of copper and anything else that could be trafficked.

The New York Times - Magazine

They [Planned Parenthood] weren't worried about the little girls who could be trafficked or abused or made pregnant by these freak and horrible criminal men!

The Guardian - Opinion

The presence of microtubule and actin networks that interface between the SDV and remainder of the cell (Fig. 2, 5, 12) provides a reasonable explanation for how this is accomplished – appropriate components could be trafficked along the cytoskeletal elements to specific locations in the growing SDV to form specific silica structures.

Plosone

Since FXIIIA does not have transmembrane domains, nor a signal peptide that could guide its translocation to the ER-Golgi for modifications such as GPI-anchor insertion, it remains unknown how this protein could be trafficked and inserted to its location.

Plosone

In addition, as suggested by our model, heme could be trafficked between the HRM and the catalytic core, which would necessarily involve interaction of the HRM with the catalytic core.

Biochemistry

NEW YORK, 15 June, 2006 – UNICEF today expressed its deep concern that children and women could be trafficked and subjected to sexual exploitation during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Meanwhile, America moved naval forces onto the Yemeni coast amid reports that it was monitoring Iranian vessels that could be trafficking weapons to the Houthis.

The Economist

The information could be traffic updates, or information about a city's landmarks or tourist hotspots.

BBC

However, one of the downsides of opening a new sports stadium could be traffic.

Los Angeles Times

This could be traffic, the sound of children playing, an air conditioner humming or running water.

WikiHow

Some migrants might be repatriated, but, according to Unicef reports, other could simply be trafficked.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential trafficking, ensure clarity regarding what or who is being trafficked to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify if it's goods, people, or substances.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase too broadly. Ensure the context genuinely involves illegal trade or exploitation, not just any form of movement or exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be trafficked" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a potential action performed upon a subject. It expresses the possibility of someone or something becoming a victim of trafficking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be trafficked" is a passive verb phrase used to express the possibility of someone or something being illegally traded or exploited. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and appropriate in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news reports, scientific articles, and formal business communications, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include "might be smuggled" and "could be exploited", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what or who is being trafficked and avoid overgeneralization to maintain precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be victims of trafficking

Highlights the victim status and direct involvement in trafficking, differing in grammatical structure.

might be smuggled

Implies a hidden or secretive movement, focusing on the act of smuggling rather than the potential harm to individuals.

could be exploited

Focuses on the potential exploitation of individuals, broadening the context beyond just trafficking.

may be subjected to exploitation

Focuses on the act of exploitation rather than the act of trafficking.

may be illegally traded

Highlights the illegal nature of the trade, emphasizing the commercial aspect over the potential for coercion.

might be illegally moved

Focuses on the illicit act of movement, differing slightly in nuance from trafficking.

can be unlawfully transported

Emphasizes the illegal transportation aspect, suitable when discussing movement across borders or jurisdictions.

can be illegally sold

Highlights illegal sales, which may imply trafficking.

might be forced into labor

Specifically refers to forced labor, a form of human trafficking.

may be used for illicit purposes

Emphasizes the potentially illegal end use, shifting focus from the movement itself.

FAQs

How can "could be trafficked" be used in a sentence?

Use "could be trafficked" to indicate the possibility of someone or something being illegally traded or transported. For example, "Children in vulnerable situations "could be trafficked" across borders."

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

You can use alternatives like "might be smuggled", "could be exploited", or "may be illegally traded" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "could be trafficked" and "is being trafficked"?

"Could be trafficked" indicates a possibility, while "is being trafficked" suggests that the action is currently happening.

When is it appropriate to use "could be trafficked" instead of "might be at risk"?

Use "could be trafficked" when there's a specific concern about illegal trade or exploitation. Use "might be at risk" when discussing general vulnerabilities without necessarily implying trafficking.