could jeopardize

USAGE SUMMARY

"could jeopardize" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to put something at risk or in danger. Example: Posting personal information online could jeopardize your privacy and safety.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Failure to do so could jeopardize his life's work.

The New Yorker

A violation of these rules could jeopardize an offering.

The New York Times

The ruling could jeopardize Shahrkhani's participation in the Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

They could jeopardize food safety, highway quality and F.B.I. investigations.

The New York Times

But, he said, any further incidents could jeopardize that, too.

The New York Times

But Erdogan's destructive policies could jeopardize that support.

The New York Times

Appearing too "pro-Jewish" could jeopardize the mobilization process.

The New York Times - Books

The inquiry into the diverted calls could jeopardize that business.

The New York Times

"It would be one that could jeopardize fragile alliances.

The New York Times

Failure to participate, he said, could jeopardize the Spanish role.

The New York Times

They said the legislation could jeopardize national security.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the degree of certainty implied by "could jeopardize". If the risk is highly probable, stronger terms like "will jeopardize" or "certain to jeopardize" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "could jeopardize" when the risk is minimal or speculative. Overstating the potential negative consequences can weaken your credibility. Use more cautious language if the risk is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could jeopardize" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the possibility of an action leading to a negative outcome. It indicates that something has the potential to put something else at risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and frequently used phrase. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from security breaches to career prospects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could jeopardize" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that expresses the potential for something to be put at risk. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a common phrase in written English. Its usage spans diverse contexts, including news reports, scientific publications, and formal business communications. While alternatives like "could endanger" or "could threaten" exist, "could jeopardize" offers a specific nuance related to potential loss or damage. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the elements at risk and the factors contributing to that risk for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might jeopardize

Replaces 'could' with 'might' indicating a lower probability, same meaning.

could endanger

Focuses more directly on placing something in danger.

could threaten

Implies a potential for harm or negative impact.

could imperil

A more formal synonym emphasizing serious risk.

could compromise

Suggests weakening or making something vulnerable.

could damage

Focuses on the potential for harm or impairment to something.

could undermine

Focuses on gradually weakening or destabilizing something.

could put at risk

Directly states the act of placing something in a vulnerable position.

may put in danger

Replaces "could" with "may" and uses the phrase "put in danger" instead of jeopardize, implying possible harm.

could hazard

Highlights the element of chance and potential danger.

FAQs

How can I use "could jeopardize" in a sentence?

Use "could jeopardize" to indicate that something has the potential to put something else at risk or in danger. For example, "Failing to address the security flaws "could jeopardize" the entire system".

What are some alternatives to "could jeopardize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "could endanger", "could threaten", or "could compromise".

Is it better to say "could jeopardize" or "might jeopardize"?

Both "could jeopardize" and "might jeopardize" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Could" implies a slightly higher probability than "might", but the difference is often negligible.

What's the difference between "could jeopardize" and "could harm"?

"Could jeopardize" implies putting something at risk of loss or damage, while "could harm" simply suggests causing damage or injury. Jeopardizing often has broader implications.