open to abuse

USAGE SUMMARY

"open to abuse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something has the potential to be abused or misused, generally through neglect or exploitation. For example, "The current system for distributing aid is open to abuse by those who would seek to line their own pockets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In reality the system is open to abuse.

The Economist

The giveaway worked but was open to abuse.

The Economist

These are open to abuse, as Europe's experience shows.

The Economist

The system is slow, opaque and open to abuse.

The Economist

However, these are open to abuse, Stajano argues.

The Guardian - Tech

Certain definitions in the surveys seem open to abuse.

The New York Times

And of course that is very much open to abuse.

The Guardian

"The system is so complicated it's open to abuse".

The Guardian - Business

"Until the law is amended, it is open to abuse".

The New York Times

Without close regulation, such a system was open to abuse.

The Guardian

This is clearly a system open to abuse".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "open to abuse" with specific examples to strengthen your argument. For instance, "The loophole in the tax law is open to abuse, allowing corporations to avoid paying their fair share."

Common error

Avoid using "open to abuse" when abuse is already occurring. The phrase implies a potential risk, not a confirmed event. Use stronger language like "is being abused" when actual abuse is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open to abuse" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun (usually a system, process, or policy) to indicate its vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "open to abuse" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is vulnerable to exploitation or misuse. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also in formal business and even scientific discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to consider its potential impact and to provide specific examples to support your claim. Remember that this phrase describes a potential weakness, so use a more direct description of abuse when it is already occurring. Consider alternatives like "vulnerable to exploitation" or "susceptible to misuse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerable to exploitation

Emphasizes the potential for unfair or unethical use.

susceptible to misuse

Focuses on the possibility of using something in a wrong or inappropriate way.

liable to be exploited

Highlights the potential for being taken advantage of.

prone to manipulation

Suggests a tendency to be controlled or influenced unfairly.

at risk of corruption

Specifies the danger of moral decay or dishonesty.

can be easily subverted

Focuses on the ease with which something can be undermined or overthrown.

easily perverted

Highlights how something can be distorted from the true meaning or intent.

invites exploitation

Implies that something's nature makes exploitation attractive or likely.

defenseless against abuse

Emphasizes the lack of protection against harmful or improper use.

offers opportunities for abuse

Highlights that something creates specific chances for exploitation.

FAQs

How can I use "open to abuse" in a sentence?

Use "open to abuse" to describe a system, policy, or situation that has vulnerabilities that could be exploited. For example, "The honor system is "open to abuse" because there's no direct supervision during exams."

What are some alternatives to "open to abuse"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "open to abuse" include "vulnerable to exploitation", "susceptible to misuse", or "liable to be exploited".

Is it better to say "open for abuse" or "open to abuse"?

"Open to abuse" is the correct and more common idiom. "Open for abuse" is less idiomatic and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What makes a system "open to abuse"?

A system is "open to abuse" when it has loopholes, lacks oversight, or relies too heavily on trust, creating opportunities for individuals to exploit it for personal gain or other improper purposes.