a crippling effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"a crippling effect" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which the effects are so severe that they negatively affect one’s ability to operate normally. For example, "The lack of resources had a crippling effect on our ability to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The advent of the Kennedy Administration had a crippling effect on him, from which he has never fully recovered.

The New Yorker

China's slowdown is setting the stage for a drop in the price of oil, which has had a crippling effect on growth in the United States.

The New York Times

US and European sanctions have had a crippling effect on its economy, and the lifting of some measures is forecast to generate billions of euros in revenue.

Independent

For Iran, the pressing need is to gain relief from sanctions that have ratcheted up in severity and are having a crippling effect on its resource-dependent economy.

The Economist

"The additional funding being sought by the sheriff would have a crippling effect on the city's operations, including services like police, fire and recreation".

The New York Times

That could have a crippling effect on the firm's outside investors, who are unlikely to keep their money with an investment adviser under indictment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Although CNet, the Internet media company, declined to comment yesterday, its network service provider reported detecting an attack on the company's sites Tuesday afternoon but said it had managed to prevent any crippling effect on users.

The New York Times

The result has had a somewhat crippling effect on a few of the larger wood manufacturers in the core market.

Vice

Mr. Kartagener said the count, in effect, suggested that it was illegal for a police officer to miss his target while shooting, an argument that would have "a potentially crippling effect on law enforcement".

The New York Times

But it has a certain crippling effect.

The New York Times

The rest of the population scrapes by on less than a dollar a day, which might still buy a bellyful if the crippling effect of the farm invasions — compounded this year by regional drought — hadn't created drastic food shortages, raising the prospect of imminent nationwide famine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a crippling effect" to describe situations where something is severely damaged or hindered, making it difficult or impossible to function properly. For example, "The economic downturn had a crippling effect on small businesses."

Common error

Avoid using "a crippling effect" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "a big problem" or "a major issue" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crippling effect" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the severe and negative impact of something on another, hindering its normal functioning. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing economic, political, and physical consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a crippling effect" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a severe and negative impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for describing situations where something's ability to function is severely impaired. The analysis of usage patterns shows that it's most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a generally neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, it is important to consider the tone of your article and consider other alternatives such as "a devastating impact" or "a major setback" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating impact

Emphasizes the destructive nature of the effect.

a severe blow

Highlights the sudden and impactful nature of the negative consequence.

a major setback

Focuses on the hindrance to progress caused by the effect.

a debilitating influence

Highlights the weakening or impairing nature of the effect.

a paralyzing impact

Emphasizes the immobilizing or restrictive aspect of the effect.

a ruinous outcome

Stresses the disastrous and destructive result.

a destructive force

Highlights the power and damage caused by the effect.

a terminal impact

Suggests an irreversible and ultimate consequence.

a crushing burden

Focuses on the overwhelming weight and pressure caused by the effect.

a grave consequence

Emphasizes the serious and significant nature of the result.

FAQs

How can I use "a crippling effect" in a sentence?

You can use "a crippling effect" to describe something that severely damages or hinders something else. For example, "The new regulations had a crippling effect on the local economy."

What are some alternatives to "a crippling effect"?

Some alternatives include "a devastating impact", "a severe blow", or "a major setback" depending on the context.

Is "a crippling effect" formal or informal?

"A crippling effect" is generally considered neutral to formal and is suitable for use in news articles, academic papers, and business reports. It's less common in very informal conversation.

What causes "a crippling effect"?

Anything that severely damages or hinders something can cause "a crippling effect". Examples include economic downturns, natural disasters, policy changes or sanctions.