infect your computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infect your computer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing malware, viruses, or other harmful software that can compromise a computer's functionality or security. Example: "Be cautious when downloading files from unknown sources, as they may infect your computer with harmful malware."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

If you open the attachment, the virus program will infect your computer.

The New York Times - Tech

These sorts of malicious messages are usually out to steal personal information or infect your computer.

The New York Times

Some files shared across the network might be corrupted or carry viruses that can infect your computer.

The New York Times - Tech

Also bear in mind that spam and phishing emails may include attempts to infect your computer with malware.

The Guardian - Tech

People are constantly finding security holes (vulnerabilities) in computer software that could be used to infect your computer with a virus, spyware, or worse.

Cornell University

What is the virus definition update? A. In simple terms, a virus definition file is a library of known viruses, worms and other malicious types of software that can infect your computer.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

If malware infects your computer, you're toast.

The New York Times - Tech

Preventing a compromised Web site from infecting your computer with malware, for instance, is often as simple as using a secure, well-updated browser, says Dan Holden, a Web security researcher with IBM's Internet Security Systems.

Forbes

Ransomware is dangerous because it infects your computer and then encrypts all of your locally stored personal files (photos, documents, movies, music, etc).

Huffington Post

If they're not being all slimy and slithering around your garden, they're infecting your computer network and replicating themselves before moving on somewhere else.

Vice

This can help prevent a virus from infecting your computer.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cybersecurity, use "infect your computer" to clearly convey the risk of malware or viruses compromising a system's functionality.

Common error

While "infect your computer" is understandable, avoid replacing it with obscure technical terms that might confuse your audience. Clarity is key when discussing security risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "infect your computer" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of malware or viruses compromising a computer system. It indicates the introduction of harmful software that can disrupt normal operations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "infect your computer" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the compromising of a computer system by malware or viruses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. While straightforward, writers should avoid replacing it with overly technical jargon to maintain clarity. When warning about cybersecurity risks, using "infect your computer" effectively conveys the potential harm and encourages safer online practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contaminate your computer

Uses a metaphor to describe the introduction of harmful elements.

introduce a virus to your system

Specifies the introduction of a virus, a type of malware.

compromise your system

Focuses on the broader impact of security breaches affecting the entire system.

expose your device to malware

Emphasizes the risk of exposure to malicious software.

corrupt your data

Highlights the potential damage to data integrity from malicious software.

leave your computer vulnerable

Focuses on the resulting state of vulnerability after a security lapse.

breach your computer's security

Focuses on breaching the existing security measures.

attack your device

Focuses on the action of attacking, suggesting a direct security threat.

put your computer at risk

Emphasizes the general increase in risk due to certain actions.

damage your operating system

Highlights damage specifically to the operating system.

FAQs

How can I use "infect your computer" in a sentence?

You can use "infect your computer" to describe the action of malware or viruses compromising a system, for example: "Downloading files from unknown sources can "infect your computer" with harmful software".

What can I say instead of "infect your computer"?

You can use alternatives like "compromise your system", "contaminate your computer", or "expose your device to malware" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "infect your computer" or "attack your computer"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""infect your computer"" specifically refers to the action of a virus or malware entering and affecting a system, while "attack your computer" is a more general term for any hostile action.

What's the difference between "infect your computer" and "damage your computer"?

"Infect your computer" implies the introduction of something harmful like a virus, whereas "damage your computer" refers to the resulting harm, which could be due to various causes, not just infections. One can "infect your computer", which might then "damage your computer".