could shatter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could shatter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the potential for something to break or be destroyed, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The news of the scandal could shatter the public's trust in the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could shatter a miner at 50 paces.

The Guardian

Losing all three games could shatter their illusion of ascendancy.

The New York Times

Chechnya's fragile peace could shatter if its demands for full independence from Russia go unheeded.

The Economist

The new goals underscore the likelihood that the 2012 presidential campaign could shatter records.

The New York Times

That could shatter what little confidence there is in Indonesia's economic recovery.

The Economist

And the squalid detail of this data cache of bad behaviour could shatter it for good.

Independent

But the president fears that letting such people be extradited could shatter his own fragile coalition.

The Economist

He had a handshake that made your eyes water and a voice that could shatter rocks.

The Guardian - Sport

Local opposition helped deflate that dream and it could shatter this one, too.

The New York Times

Critics of the proposals say such deceptive missions could shatter the Pentagon's credibility.

The New York Times

Soon, they would have an answer that could shatter their future.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could shatter" to express a potential but not certain outcome, particularly when emphasizing the force or suddenness of the potential break or disruption.

Common error

While versatile, "could shatter" may sound dramatic in some formal or academic contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "might disrupt" or "may affect" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could shatter" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a potential outcome or possibility. Ludwig examples show it describing potential damage to physical objects, abstract concepts like confidence, or even political stability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could shatter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the potential for something to break or be severely disrupted. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples demonstrate its frequent use in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more neutral alternatives for highly formal settings. When used appropriately, "could shatter" effectively conveys a sense of vulnerability and potential negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might break

Indicates a possibility of breaking, similar to shattering but less forceful.

might destroy

Suggests complete destruction, a more severe outcome than simply shattering.

may ruin

Implies a potential for causing significant damage or harm, like shattering an ideal.

may disrupt

Focuses on the potential to interrupt or throw something into disorder, similar to the impact of shattering.

could implode

Suggests an inward collapse, offering a specific type of shattering.

could disintegrate

Indicates a breakdown into smaller parts, similar to the result of shattering.

could crumble

Implies a gradual collapse, in contrast to the suddenness of shattering.

might fracture

Suggests a crack or split, a less severe form of shattering.

may undermine

Focuses on weakening the foundation, leading to a potential collapse or shatter.

may jeopardize

Highlights the potential risk or danger, similar to the consequences of shattering.

FAQs

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

You can use "could shatter" to describe a potential breaking or destruction, as in "The scandal "could shatter" the company's reputation".

What are some alternatives to "could shatter"?

Some alternatives include "might break", "may ruin", or "could destroy", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "could shatter" too dramatic for formal writing?

In some formal contexts, "could shatter" might be too dramatic. Consider alternatives like "might disrupt" or "may affect" for a more neutral and professional tone.

Which is more forceful, "could shatter" or "might break"?

"Could shatter" implies a more forceful and sudden breaking than "might break". The choice depends on the intensity of the potential outcome you wish to convey.