can become worse vs can be worse

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Can become worse' is used when referring to a situation that has the potential to deteriorate further. 'Can be worse' is used when comparing the current situation to a hypothetical worse scenario.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 891 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can become worse"

This phrase is used to indicate that a situation has the potential to deteriorate further.

Examples:

If we don't act quickly, the situation can become worse.
His health can become worse if he doesn't follow the doctor's advice.

Alternatives:

may become worse
could become worse
might become worse

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can be worse"

This phrase is used when comparing the current situation to a hypothetical worse scenario.

Examples:

The weather is bad now, but it can be worse tomorrow.
I know things are tough, but they can be worse.

Show examples from the web [+]

It can be worse than I remembered.
Sometimes doing everything can be worse than nothing.
The cure can be worse than the disease.
In many cases, the remedy can be worse than the disease.
Sometimes life can be worse than a bad sitcom.
"Nothing can be worse than death," he answered with dignity, "and still I'm not afraid of you."
Nothing can be worse than that.
After all, nothing can be worse than the hopelessness and despair I am feeling now.
We don't want to accept that it can be worse somewhere else, or better.
Hence, nothing can be worse than losing those images from your memory card due to any kind of corruption or deletion.
What can be worse than standing here with you?
Women are affected disproportionately by this type of violence and the situation can be worse if the woman is dependent on the offender economically, socially or as regards her right to residence.
One life was good, but if you think this is the principle that is even worse, and how much can be worse.
Pain can be worse when we're tired and pain can also stop us sleeping well. We can be stressed because of pain and stress also makes the perception of pain worse.
The situation can be worse, and become more serious, with children's skin, which is more permeable than adult skin; the quality of what is put onto, or rubbed into, that skin can therefore really make a difference in terms of health.
Worse, there is no guarantee that despite the steep cost of spinal surgery, the results would be as expected. In many cases, the remedy can be worse than the disease.
Urusvati knows that certain conditions can be worse than the state of war.
No way this date can be worse than the last guy.
The social repercussions of relocations can be worse if workers or their representatives are not adequately consulted beforehand.
A man who hasn't killed can be worse than a mass murderer.

Alternatives:

could be worse
might be worse
may be worse

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

can become worse vs can be worse

"can become worse"

"can be worse"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text