it could disappear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could disappear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility of something vanishing or no longer being present. Example: "If we don't take action soon, it could disappear from our records entirely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Environmentalists predict it could disappear within the next two decades.

The New York Times

As for the infusion of Western money, it could disappear into a hole of corruption.

The New Yorker

In the future, cosmetic surgery as we now know it could disappear.

The Guardian

It's the reward for working longer hours; and it could disappear in the current review.

The Guardian - Business

If you buy gas from an offshore trading company, it could disappear.

The New York Times

And if the prospects of even higher deficits spooked the bond markets, it could disappear completely.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But it does feel like a place in which I could disappear.

Vice

"If these principles are swept aside, then the Web as we know it will cease to exist, and many of the economic, social, political and technological benefits it brings could disappear".

The New York Times

If you get a quick refill at a trendy coffee shop and leave your phone unattended your mobile lifestyle and all the private data it contains could disappear and turn into a nightmare before you get back from the counter.

Huffington Post

It looks like you could disappear through it".

The New York Times

"It's literally as if you could disappear into it".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it could disappear" when you want to express a possibility, not a certainty. Make sure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it could disappear" when the disappearance is already confirmed or highly probable. Instead, use stronger language like "it will disappear" or "it has disappeared".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could disappear" functions as a modal phrase expressing a possibility or potential future event. It combines the pronoun "it" with the modal verb "could" and the verb "disappear" to indicate that something has the potential to vanish or cease to exist. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it could disappear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the possibility of something vanishing or ceasing to exist. As verified by Ludwig, it is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the referent of "it" is clear and that the context indicates a potential rather than a certain disappearance. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "it is susceptible to obliteration". The phrase is a useful tool for expressing concern, speculation, or warning about potential loss. Remember to replace the pronoun with the respective noun, as "it could disappear" works only when the noun it refers to is clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might vanish

Uses "vanish" instead of "disappear", suggesting a sudden and complete disappearance.

it is in danger of vanishing

Similar to 'it might vanish' but emphasizes a state of peril.

it may fade away

Implies a gradual disappearance, like a color losing its intensity.

it is liable to be lost

Focuses on the potential for something to be lost, whether physically or figuratively.

it is at risk of being lost

Similar to 'it is liable to be lost' but more specific.

it risks extinction

More dramatic, suggesting a threat to existence, often used for species or cultures.

it's on the verge of collapse

Suggests an imminent and catastrophic failure or disappearance.

it is susceptible to obliteration

Suggests the possibility of being completely destroyed or erased.

it's vulnerable to obliteration

Highlights susceptibility to complete destruction, emphasizing a lack of protection.

it's prone to elimination

Suggests a tendency to be removed or eliminated, often in a systematic way.

FAQs

How can I use "it could disappear" in a sentence?

Use "it could disappear" to express a possibility or potential future event, such as, "If we don't act now, the rainforest "it could disappear" within a generation."

What are some alternatives to "it could disappear"?

Alternatives include "it might vanish", "it may fade away", or "it is liable to be lost", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it could disappear" versus "it will disappear"?

Use "it could disappear" when the disappearance is a possibility, not a certainty. If the disappearance is confirmed or highly probable, use "it will disappear".

Is "it could disappear" formal or informal?

The phrase ""it could disappear"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or scientific writing, consider more precise alternatives like "it is susceptible to obliteration".