a stain on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stain on" can be used correctly in written English and is commonly used in that form.
The phrase can be used to indicate something that reflects poorly on an individual, group, or institution. Example: The corruption scandal left a stain on her otherwise unblemished reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He anticipated a stain on New England, one that ages would not remove.

The New Yorker

In one such case, there was a blue dress with a stain on it.

The New Yorker

"It's a stain on our collective conscience.

The Guardian

"There was a stain on the wood.

The New York Times

A stain on Australian socio-political history.

The Guardian - Opinion

It proved to be a stain on Rosell's.

The Guardian - Sport

Aleppo is already a stain on the UN.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They are a stain on our country's honor and reputation".

The New York Times

That situation is intolerable and a stain on our country.

The Guardian

She, at least, emerges without a stain on her character.

The Guardian

A couch with a stain on the cushion, and... Yes!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "stain" – it implies something difficult or impossible to remove. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the lasting negative consequences of an action or event.

Common error

Avoid using "a stain on" for trivial matters. The phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations with substantial negative impact. Saying "a stain on" for minor inconveniences will create a sense of disproportionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stain on" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It attributes a negative quality to a preceding noun, indicating something that blemishes or discredits. Ludwig shows its application across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a stain on" is a common and effective way to express strong disapproval or condemnation in written English. As Ludwig confirms, it's frequently used in news and media to highlight lasting negative impacts on reputations or institutions. While grammatically sound, it's important to reserve this phrase for matters of significant consequence, avoiding its overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives such as "a blemish on" or "a blot on" may be suitable depending on the context, maintaining a nuanced approach to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blemish on

Replaces "stain" with "blemish", suggesting a minor imperfection that detracts from overall quality.

a blot on

Uses "blot" instead of "stain", emphasizing a disfiguring mark or disgrace.

a disgrace to

Shifts the focus to the feeling of shame or dishonor caused by the subject.

a black mark on

Emphasizes the negative impact by using "black mark", suggesting a permanent and damaging record.

a shadow over

Indicates something that casts a pall or gloom, affecting the overall perception.

a taint on

Suggests contamination or corruption affecting something previously pure or untarnished.

a scar on

Implies lasting damage or disfigurement as a result of a negative event or action.

a mark against

Indicates a point of disadvantage or discredit, often in a formal assessment or judgment.

an indictment of

Frames the subject as evidence of failure or wrongdoing, often on a systemic level.

a disservice to

Highlights the harm or injustice done to someone or something, rather than the mark itself.

FAQs

How can I use "a stain on" in a sentence?

Use "a stain on" to describe something that negatively impacts the reputation or honor of someone or something. For example, "The scandal was a stain on the company's reputation."

What are some synonyms for "a stain on"?

Alternatives include "a blemish on", "a blot on", or "a disgrace to", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "a stain on" in formal writing?

Yes, "a stain on" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious ethical or moral issues. Its use conveys a strong sense of disapproval and lasting negative impact.

What's the difference between "a stain on" and "a mark on"?

"A stain on" implies something difficult or impossible to remove, suggesting lasting damage. "A mark on" is more general and can refer to any kind of impact, not necessarily negative or permanent.