could have jeopardized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could have jeopardized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a hypothetical situation in which something might have put something else at risk or in danger. Example: "If we had not taken precautions, our project could have jeopardized the company's reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Santoro's knowledge of Grimm's true identity "could have jeopardized" the rest of the operation.

The New Yorker

A negative result could have jeopardized already growing sales for multiple sclerosis.

The New York Times

Shifting the case to London could have jeopardized Mr. Hands's status as a British tax exile.

The New York Times

That could have jeopardized talks that required great secrecy, they said.

The New York Times

Based on what we know from available reports, Mr Castile did nothing that could have jeopardized his life.

The Guardian - Opinion

The deal now being considered apparently will not include either George or Jerry Stackhouse, whose inclusion also could have jeopardized the trade.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The immense pressure could force N.B.A. and union officials to make a deal, or destroy any chance they have, jeopardizing the 2011-12 season.

The New York Times - Sports

One tumble, a simple twisted ankle, and a payday of nearly $2 million this Saturday could have been jeopardized.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead of being an absolute catastrophe, a scandal that could have prematurely jeopardized his new status, Silver's decisiveness in the face of a potentially damaging controversy might end up being the defining moment of his reign.

The Guardian - Sport

Attorney General John Ashcroft accused the company of committing "an astonishing pattern of crimes that could have directly jeopardized public safety" at 13 of the nation's largest airports where it screens passengers.

The New York Times

This is a very significant result showing that our present practice of stressing on building strong stable and highly controllable systems could have already jeopardized the consolidity behavior of an ample family of existing real life systems.

Journal of Advanced Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could have jeopardized", ensure the context clearly identifies what was at risk and what action or situation posed the threat. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "could have jeopardized" when a situation definitively did jeopardize something. "Could have" implies a possibility that didn't necessarily occur. If the action certainly caused damage, use a more direct phrase like "jeopardized".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could have jeopardized" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility in the past that something might have been put at risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could have jeopardized" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a past potential risk. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. As demonstrated by the examples, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, reflecting its neutrality and suitability for analytical discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly outlines both the potential risk and the potential consequence. Consider alternatives like "might have endangered" or "could have put at risk" for subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have endangered

Emphasizes the potential for putting something in danger, similar to jeopardizing.

might have compromised

Highlights the potential weakening or undermining effect on something's integrity or security.

might have threatened

Focuses on the potential to pose a threat or danger to something.

could have put at risk

Directly indicates the potential for placing something in a vulnerable position.

could have imperiled

Implies a serious risk of danger or destruction.

could have undermined

Highlights the potential for weakening or destabilizing something gradually.

might have damaged

Focuses on the potential for causing harm or impairment.

could have wrecked

Implies a potential for complete destruction or ruin.

might have subverted

Highlights the potential for undermining the power and authority of something.

could have destabilized

Focuses on the potential for disrupting the stability or equilibrium of something.

FAQs

How can I use "could have jeopardized" in a sentence?

Use "could have jeopardized" to express a hypothetical situation where something had the potential to put something else at risk. For example, "His mistake "could have jeopardized" the entire project".

What are some alternatives to "could have jeopardized"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might have endangered", "might have compromised", or "could have put at risk", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "could jeopardize" instead of "could have jeopardized"?

While "could jeopardize" refers to a potential future risk, "could have jeopardized" refers to a potential risk in the past that may or may not have materialized. The choice depends on whether you're discussing a present or past possibility.

What's the difference between "could have jeopardized" and "jeopardized"?

"Could have jeopardized" suggests a potential but unrealized outcome. "Jeopardized" indicates that something definitely was put at risk or harmed. The former is hypothetical, the latter is factual.