The phrase "a dampener on things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a negative effect or reduces enthusiasm or excitement about a situation.
Example: "The unexpected rain was a dampener on our outdoor picnic plans."
Alternatives: "a setback" or "a killjoy".
C. Ogilvie: Press release with one line in it containing misprint, one that could put a dampener on things (typo in a rope in PR).
Derek Skyped me yesterday and put something of a dampener on things.
Having to keep the app open and the screen on while on the move puts a dampener on things.
And if you really want to throw a dampener on things, there's always Philip Larkin, patron saint of unhappy endings, who was the subject of a sensitive tribute by David Walliams and Andrew Motion.
Since I've been in Mali, many humanitarian workers active in the north have told me that they are concerned about civilian casualties, which they believe far outnumber both official estimates, and would put a dampener on things, to put it mildly, if released.
As my new-found companions mournfully mouthed the lyrics to a succession of classics drifting out of driver Neil's cassette player, I decided that it may have put a bit of a dampener on things to have recounted my own "where were you when" moment.
Rain puts a real dampener on things".
The Queen's baton will continue its journey around Wales on Sunday ahead of the Commonwealth Games after heavy rain failed to put a dampener on day one.
It would be a shame if the very law designed to encourage growth in the IT sector was the one that put a dampener on it.
Be careful of seating people you know have an animosity towards one another unless you want a dampener on the occasion.
FINANCIAL MARKETS A bad week on Wall Street put a dampener on most emerging stockmarkets.
