It rots

USAGE SUMMARY

"It rots" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most often used in a figurative context to describe something or someone becoming damaged, corrupted, or deteriorating over time. Example: The government's policies towards the poor have rotted away their sense of dignity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Donoghue's ingenuity also soars as she animates the novel's physical space through her characters' rituals: they run around a homemade track; watch TV, but not too much, because "it rots our brains"; string eggshells together with a needle to make a kind of snake.

The New York Times - Books

"It rots your brain!" my parents said.

The New York Times - Magazine

It rots societies from the inside out.

The Guardian - Tech

It rots the senses in the head.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It rots, and, of course, it burns.

Science Magazine

It rots your teeth.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

They leave it rotting next to its helpless calf, who will never be able to grow up as it should.

Huffington Post

"It rotted from within".

The New Yorker

"Instead, it rotted and exploded.

The New York Times

Should I let it rot?

The New York Times

You don't just let it rot".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it rots" figuratively, ensure the subject is something that can plausibly decay or degrade, whether physically or metaphorically. For instance, "it rots the soul" is a common metaphorical usage.

Common error

Avoid using "it rots" to describe the degradation of inorganic materials like metal or plastic. While these materials degrade, "rots" specifically implies organic decay. Use terms like "corrodes" or "degrades" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it rots" primarily functions as a declarative statement, where "it" is a pronoun referring to a previously mentioned subject, and "rots" is a verb indicating a process of decay. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it rots" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of decay, both literally and figuratively. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's acceptable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in a variety of contexts, especially in news and media sources. When using the phrase, be mindful of whether you are referring to the actual decomposition of organic matter or using it metaphorically to describe moral or structural decline. Be careful to not misuse "it rots" for describing the degradation of inorganic materials. The phrase functions as a declarative statement and serves to communicate the idea of something degrading or becoming corrupt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it decays

Focuses on the natural process of decomposition.

it decomposes

Similar to 'it decays' but emphasizes a breakdown into simpler substances.

it deteriorates

Highlights a gradual decline in quality or condition.

it corrupts

Implies a moral or ethical decline or a state of being impure.

it spoils

Refers to food or other perishable items becoming unfit for consumption.

it degrades

Focuses on the reduction of something to a lower rank or level.

it breaks down

Describes a structure or system failing or ceasing to function.

it disintegrates

Suggests a complete falling apart or dissolution.

it falls apart

Emphasizes a breakdown in structure or organization.

it festers

Implies a hidden corruption or problem that worsens over time.

FAQs

How can I use "it rots" in a sentence?

You can use "it rots" to describe something decaying physically, like "the fruit will rot if left out too long". It can also be used figuratively, as in "corruption rots a society from within".

What can I say instead of "it rots"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it decays", "it decomposes", or "it deteriorates".

Is it correct to say "it rots the brain"?

Yes, "it rots the brain" is a common idiom used to suggest that something, such as excessive television viewing, is detrimental to one's cognitive abilities. This expression is frequently used in casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "it rots" literally versus figuratively?

Use "it rots" literally when referring to the decomposition of organic matter. Use it figuratively to describe the gradual decline or corruption of something intangible, such as morals or relationships.