a virus among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a virus among" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the presence of a virus within a group or environment, often in a biological or metaphorical context. Example: "The researchers discovered a virus among the samples collected from the infected patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"He was like a virus among us.

The Guardian

Bad luck was a virus among foreign correspondents in Cambodia.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Victoria Infirmary is closed to all but extreme emergencies after an outbreak of a virus among staff and patients.

The Guardian - Sport

Starting about four years ago, in the wake of the publication of "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution," the Atkins diet spread like a virus among New Yorkers whose antennas are ever tuned to what's new, whether a stiletto heel or a food trend.

The New York Times - Style

In "The Vision of Peter Damien," a story set in an ambiguous past, the title character is haunted by feverish images of bodies falling from two burning towers — an illness that spreads like a virus among his fellow children (who are treated with poultices and quarantined).

The New York Times - Books

It can spread like a virus among the populace.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The results of this study support previous calls for enhanced surveillance of influenza A viruses among swine, especially at high-risk swine human interfaces (31 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

While one of the earlier studies [ 36] reported higher prevalence of influenza A viruses among juveniles, our results show more positive samples in adult domestic ducks.

BMC Veterinary Research

In summary, this report describes the emergence and rapid spread since January 2005 of reassortant H3N2 influenza A viruses among pigs and turkeys across Canada and isolation of a related virus from the nasal passages of a farm worker in Ontario.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The risk behaviors identified in our study may help public health officials explore interventions to interrupt poultry-to-human transmission of H5N1 virus and other avian influenza A viruses among the poultry workers.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

With the emergence of an epizootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus among poultry in Southeast Asia in December 2003, Thailand's first patients with influenza A(H5N1) virus infection (hereafter referred to as H5N1 cases) were identified in January 2004 [1].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a virus among" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the comparison, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of simply stating "corruption was a virus among the politicians", specify which characteristics of a virus are being compared to the corruption, such as rapid spread or damaging effects.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a virus among" too frequently, as it can become clichéd. Explore alternative metaphors or descriptive language to convey the spread or impact of the subject. Overuse diminishes the impact of the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a virus among" functions as a metaphorical expression, typically acting as a noun phrase that describes something detrimental spreading within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a virus among" is a grammatically sound and metaphorically vivid expression used to describe something undesirable that spreads rapidly within a group. As indicated by Ludwig AI, while accurate, it's relatively rare and leans towards neutral to formal contexts, frequently appearing in science and news media. When employing this phrase, ensure the metaphorical comparison is clear and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contagion within

This alternative emphasizes the infectious nature of the spread, similar to a virus.

a sickness amongst

This option highlights the illness aspect, suggesting a problem affecting a group.

an epidemic in

This phrase emphasizes the widespread nature of the problem.

a plague on

This alternative suggests a severe and destructive issue.

a blight upon

This option implies a damaging influence that spoils or weakens something.

an infestation within

This phrase evokes the image of unwanted organisms invading a space.

a corruption spreading through

This alternative focuses on the decay or degradation of something.

a negative influence pervading

This option emphasizes the pervasive impact of something harmful.

a detrimental effect circulating among

This alternative highlights the damaging consequences of something.

a harmful element infiltrating

This phrase suggests a subtle and insidious entry of something dangerous.

FAQs

How can I use "a virus among" in a sentence?

You can use "a virus among" to describe something that spreads rapidly and has a negative impact, such as "Misinformation was a virus among social media users" or "Complacency became a virus among the team members".

What are some alternatives to "a virus among"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "a contagion within", "a sickness amongst", or "a plague on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a virus among" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a virus among" can sound dramatic. In formal writing, consider whether a more literal or precise description would be more suitable. For example, instead of "apathy was a virus among the students", try "apathy became widespread among the students".

What does "a virus among" imply?

The phrase "a virus among" suggests something is spreading quickly and negatively affecting a group. It highlights the infectious and harmful nature of the subject being described.