a question of mutilation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of mutilation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing topics related to harm, injury, or ethical considerations regarding physical alterations or damage. Example: "The debate surrounding the practice raised a question of mutilation that could not be ignored."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is not a question of mutilation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(She considers gender-reassignment surgery a form of mutilation).

The New Yorker

Most likely to: Cause a wave of mutilation.

The Guardian - Music

The Boston quartet once sang about a Wave of Mutilation; this is a wave of superannuation.

The Guardian - Music

She could never, she knew, break away without a sense of mutilation".

The Guardian - Books

This is a form of mutilation, and that breeder should not be encouraged in any way.

WikiHow

A favorite form of mutilation was breaking their fingers and tearing out their fingernails.

The New York Times - Science

"What was happening was a different form of mutilation, but nobody was noticing".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It became her battlefield, her exhibition piece, her theatre--a site of mutilation, regurgitation, transgression, consolation.

The New Yorker

"Walking with the Crustaceans" is a visual representation of "Wave of Mutilation"'s lyrics.

Wikipedia

Furthermore, radiotherapy was said to reduce the amount of "mutilation" to a minimum.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a question of mutilation", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical harm, symbolic damage, or ethical considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of mutilation" in situations where the damage or alteration is minor or easily reversible; reserve it for scenarios involving significant or irreversible harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of mutilation" serves as a noun phrase that introduces a serious ethical or practical consideration concerning significant damage or alteration. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically sound, appearing in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of mutilation" is a phrase used to introduce significant ethical or practical concerns related to severe damage or alteration. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. While its usage is rare, it's found in reputable sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian. The phrase best serves to raise awareness and incite discussion on the serious implications of actions that may cause irreversible harm. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and conveys the gravity intended, avoiding overly broad application to minor situations. Alternatives such as "an issue of disfigurement" or "a matter of bodily harm" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an issue of disfigurement

Replaces "mutilation" with a term focusing on the aesthetic alteration, shifting the emphasis from the act to the result.

a problem of mangling

Uses a more graphic term to describe the act of severe damage or distortion.

a matter of bodily harm

Broadens the scope to any kind of physical damage inflicted on the body, removing the specific connotation of "mutilation".

a dispute concerning impairment

Shifts the focus to the reduction in function or value caused by the damage.

a quandary related to impairment

Highlights the uncertainty regarding the impact of damaging something.

an ethical concern regarding defacement

Highlights the moral and ethical implications of altering something, particularly in a negative way.

a controversy surrounding defacing

Highlights the contentious nature of altering or damaging something, often in a public context.

a moral quandary about defilement

Emphasizes the moral dilemma associated with the act of making something impure or damaged.

a debate over desecration

Focuses on the act of violating something sacred or highly respected, extending beyond physical damage.

an argument against vandalism

Focuses specifically on the act of deliberate destruction or damage to property.

FAQs

How can "a question of mutilation" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a question of mutilation" to describe situations where there's a serious ethical or practical concern about damage or alteration, for example, "The proposed surgery raised "a question of mutilation" due to its invasive nature".

What are some alternatives to "a question of mutilation"?

Alternatives include "an issue of disfigurement", "a matter of bodily harm", or "an ethical concern regarding defacement" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a question of mutilation" in a debate about art?

Yes, it can be appropriate if the debate centers around the alteration or destruction of artwork, raising ethical questions about artistic integrity. However, ensure the gravity of the term aligns with the context.

What's the difference between "a question of mutilation" and "an act of vandalism"?

"An act of vandalism" refers specifically to deliberate destruction or damage to property. "A question of mutilation" is broader, encompassing ethical and practical concerns about significant damage or alteration, whether intentional or not.