may be compromised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'may be compromised' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is at risk of being damaged or affected negatively in some way. For example: "With the new security measures in place, the safety of the data may be compromised."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Critics say privacy may be compromised.

The New York Times

Both efficiency and outcomes may be compromised.

Harvard Business Review

Is it any wonder accuracy may be compromised?

The Guardian - Opinion

Our war in Afghanistan may be compromised by a bank?

The New Yorker

Productive human lives may be compromised by misguided policies".

The Guardian

The alliance with the patient may be compromised.

L'Encéphale

That means that food safety may be compromised.

The New York Times

"The independence or impartiality of arbitrators may be compromised".

The Guardian

Many of the American strengths — running hard, counterattacking, playing physically — may be compromised in thinner air.

The New York Times - Sports

This is particularly true if there is any risk that our liberties may be compromised.

The New York Times

This is where the property owner's email accounts may be compromised.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be compromised", ensure the context clearly identifies what is at risk and the potential cause of the compromise. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be compromised" without specifying what is being compromised. For example, instead of saying "Security may be compromised", specify "Network security may be compromised due to outdated software."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be compromised" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential state of being affected negatively. It suggests that something is at risk of being damaged, weakened, or made vulnerable. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be compromised" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a potential risk or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and applicable across a range of contexts, especially in science, news, and business. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what is at risk to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "could be at risk" and "might be endangered", offering alternative ways to express similar concerns. Remember to check the list of authoritative sources to understand better real world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be at risk

Focuses on the potential danger or harm that something might face.

might be endangered

Emphasizes the possibility of something becoming threatened or unsafe.

could be undermined

Highlights the potential weakening or erosion of something's foundation or effectiveness.

might be jeopardized

Stresses the risk of something being put in danger or lost.

could be threatened

Indicates a potential danger or menace to something's well-being.

might be vulnerable

Directly points out the susceptibility of something to harm or attack.

could be weakened

Focuses on the reduction of strength or effectiveness.

might suffer damage

Emphasizes the potential for harm or destruction.

could face challenges

Highlights potential difficulties or obstacles that something might encounter.

might be affected

Indicates a potential negative influence or alteration.

FAQs

How can I use "may be compromised" in a sentence?

Use "may be compromised" to indicate that something is at risk or potentially vulnerable. For example, "If the password is weak, the account "may be compromised"".

What are some alternatives to saying "may be compromised"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be at risk", "might be endangered", or "could be undermined", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is compromised" or "may be compromised"?

"Is compromised" indicates a confirmed state, whereas "may be compromised" suggests a possibility or potential risk. Use "is compromised" when the compromise is certain and "may be compromised" when it is uncertain.

What does it mean when something "may be compromised"?

It means there's a possibility that something is no longer secure, reliable, or in its original state. It suggests a potential vulnerability or risk of harm.