a particular scourge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular scourge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific problem or affliction that causes harm or suffering in a particular context. Example: "The rise of misinformation on social media has become a particular scourge in today's society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Diabetes is a particular scourge.

The Economist

Kadirgamar was himself a Tamil, and in a government dominated by the island's Sinhalese Buddhist majority, he stood out as a particular scourge of the Tigers.

The New Yorker

This is a particular scourge of those being treated in hospital with oral antibiotics that, as a side-effect, kill many gut microbes and thus let C. difficile run wild.

The Economist

One of the letter signers, Mr. Califano, said in an interview that Newport was a particular scourge because evidence suggested that menthol, by masking the harsh taste of tobacco, makes cigarettes easier to start.

The New York Times

And in this day of loamless, peat-based composts, vine weevil can be a particular scourge of all primroses, responsible for the loss of many a rarity, so take precautions against them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The photo of Samar had far-reaching impact, for it was visual testimony to a particular scourge of this war: the shooting of innocent civilians as they approached American checkpoints or foot patrols, killings made possible by liberal rules of engagement aiming to protect soldiers from suicide car bombers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This is deeply worrying for India, which until recently thought itself immune from that particular scourge.

The Economist

With the advent of hundreds of television channels, the internet, and that particular scourge of the advertiser, the personal video recorder, consumers are harder to reach than ever.

The Economist

Even gang-related crime, the particular scourge of Los Angeles, is down by 34%.Mr Bratton naturally credits his policing especially, he says, since "we're not seeing any increase in crime as a result of the bad economy".

The Economist

We are so used to the thought of scourges that come in microbial sizes, like foot-and-mouth disease, that it is almost shocking to grasp the size of this particular scourge.

The New York Times

We have come to the view, however, that only until prosecutors begin routinely holding adults accountable for keeping loaded guns within reach of children will this particular scourge abate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a particular scourge", ensure the context clearly identifies what the scourge is and why it's especially problematic. For example, "Economic inequality is a particular scourge in developing nations, hindering social progress and stability."

Common error

Avoid using "a particular scourge" as a generic intensifier. Always specify what the scourge is and provide context, otherwise, it may come across as hyperbolic or vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular scourge" functions as a noun phrase serving as a subject complement or appositive, emphasizing the troublesome nature of a specific issue. Ludwig shows that it identifies something causing significant harm or suffering in a defined context. For example: "Diabetes is "a particular scourge"."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particular scourge" is a phrase used to describe something notably troublesome and harmful in a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal writing, although careful consideration should be given to the specific audience and context. While "a particular scourge" is not extremely common, with only a few occurrences, its use is well-distributed across various sources, notably news and media and scientific publications. Remember to specify the 'scourge' to provide clarity and avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific affliction

Replaces "particular" with "specific", slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

a distinct menace

Substitutes "particular scourge" with "distinct menace", providing a similar connotation of a notable threat.

a troublesome plague

Replaces "particular" with "troublesome", maintaining a sense of difficulty and annoyance.

a notable problem

Replaces "scourge" with the more general term "problem", lessening the intensity of the original phrase.

an especial burden

Emphasizes that the burden is special, exceptional or stands out above the rest.

a serious issue

Similar to "a notable problem", but emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

a characteristic blight

Highlights the typicality of a pestilence in its contexts.

a unique hardship

Emphasizes the distinct and difficult nature of the burden.

a signature tribulation

Underlines the distinctive and tormenting nature.

a marked adversity

Highlights the notability of the adversity.

FAQs

How can I use "a particular scourge" in a sentence?

Use "a particular scourge" to describe something causing significant trouble or suffering in a specific context. For instance, "Corruption is "a particular scourge" in many developing nations".

What can I say instead of "a particular scourge"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific affliction", "a distinct menace", or "a notable problem" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a particular scourge" in formal writing?

Yes, "a particular scourge" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious issues. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document. More neutral phrasing may be suitable depending on the audience.

What's the difference between "a particular scourge" and "a common problem"?

"A common problem" refers to an issue that occurs frequently. "A particular scourge", in contrast, emphasizes the severely negative impact and troublesome nature of something specific, implying it is more than just a typical issue.