it could be endangered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could be endangered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential risk of extinction or harm to a species, environment, or cultural practice. Example: "Due to habitat loss and climate change, the species could be endangered if immediate action is not taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But some analysts said Hezbollah's decision to assert itself militarily this month might have been partly based on a calculation that it could be endangered by a deal between Israel, its nemesis, and Syria, its backer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It came as a surprise to many nutrition advocates and food policy experts, who had expressed fears that Michelle Obama's garden and the health and nutrition initiatives it symbolized could be endangered under the Trump administration.

Huffington Post

The competition committee will probably review the pass/fumble rule that tripped up Hochuli, although Pereira and Anderson have reservations about changing it because quarterbacks could be endangered as players pursue what may or may not be a fumble.

The New York Times - Sports

However, Lloyd's List Intelligence noted that captains are permitted to disable AIS if they feel their crew could be endangered by it.

BBC

It was, he said, "normal practice" in the office to redact information about witnesses who could be endangered if their identities were revealed.

The New Yorker

As his term nears its end on July 5, some worry that the programs he has advocated could be endangered if he is not reinstated.

The New York Times

One was that the transition to democracy could be endangered.

The Economist

The president's relaxed air could be endangered after the Labor Day weekend.

The New York Times

He said the Iraqis' lives could be endangered by militants if they returned home.

The New York Times

Last year, the court concluded that Germany's national sovereignty could be endangered by some parts of the Lisbon Treaty.

The New York Times

That trend could be endangered if Sunni leaders are not part of a deal on the constitution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it could be endangered", ensure that the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what is at risk.

Common error

Avoid using "it could be endangered" when the situation only presents a remote or unsubstantiated risk. Use more tentative language if the evidence is weak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could be endangered" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential future state. It indicates that something has the potential to become endangered, meaning at risk of extinction or serious harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it could be endangered" is a versatile expression used to convey the potential for something to become at risk. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, it serves as a warning or expression of concern. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding what "it" refers to is crucial for avoiding ambiguity. While useful for highlighting potential threats, avoid overstating risks without sufficient evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be at risk

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of possibility.

it may be threatened

Substitutes "endangered" with "threatened", conveying a similar sense of vulnerability.

it is potentially vulnerable

Replaces "endangered" with "vulnerable", emphasizing susceptibility to harm.

it is possibly imperiled

Uses "imperiled" instead of "endangered", suggesting a more immediate and severe threat.

it is in danger of disappearing

Explicitly states the danger of disappearing, which is a common consequence of being endangered.

it risks extinction

Focuses specifically on the risk of extinction, which is one potential outcome of being endangered.

it faces potential harm

Highlights the potential for harm or damage, a broader concept than just being endangered.

its survival is uncertain

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty of survival, implying a dangerous situation.

it is in a precarious position

Emphasizes the instability and riskiness of the situation.

it is on the verge of collapse

Suggests an imminent and catastrophic failure or disappearance.

FAQs

How can I use "it could be endangered" in a sentence?

You can use "it could be endangered" to express the possibility of something becoming at risk of extinction or harm. For example, "Due to habitat loss and climate change, the species "could be endangered" if immediate action is not taken."

What are some alternatives to saying "it could be endangered"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it might be at risk", "it may be threatened", or "it is potentially vulnerable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "it could be endangered" or "it is endangered"?

"It could be endangered" suggests a possibility or potential risk, while "it is endangered" states a current condition. The correct choice depends on whether you are describing a potential future state or a present reality.

What factors typically lead to something being described as "it could be endangered"?

Factors leading to something being described as "it could be endangered" often include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and other human activities that threaten the survival of a species, environment, or cultural practice.