afflicts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "afflicts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that causes pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something. Example: "The disease afflicts millions of people around the world, leading to significant health challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of the extra cash has gone on new programmes aimed at reducing poverty, which afflicts some 60% of Bolivians.

The Economist

"It is as much fine art as science," he says.Smoke and mirrorsBut overhauling supervision does nothing to solve another problem that afflicts developing countries: poor accounting.

The Economist

A PLAGUE of Asian carp afflicts the Midwest, wiping out native species and assaulting unsuspecting fishermen.

The Economist

They may also sell government bonds of peripheral countries, worsening the bond-buyers' strike that afflicts Italy and Spain.Capital is only one issue facing banks.

The Economist

The problem afflicts not only those countries which collaborated with Hitler but even those which suffered terribly under him.One reason is that the Holocaust was a taboo subject in communist countries for decades after the war.

The Economist

This could lead to new and urgently needed treatments for a disease that afflicts 500m people a year.The Global Malaria Action Plan, which is backed by the United Nations, wants the world to meet a series of ambitious targets by 2015.

The Economist

She rightly wants to focus social policy on eliminating extreme poverty (which still afflicts about one Brazilian in ten), while improving health care and schooling.

The Economist

In a symbolically significant move, Peter Dalton, whose Manto bar was the first chic gay venue to open in Canal Street, is selling up, claiming that the area's profitability peaked five or six years ago.Part of the problem is the chronic over-supply that afflicts the drink trade everywhere.

The Economist

The aim, he says, is to boost Mexico's lacklustre economic growth and productivity and reduce the poverty which still afflicts about half the population.

The Economist

That he continues to make considerable profits from magazines, a television channel and a website that would shock many people appears to worry the prime minister not one jot.So, what's not to like?In some ways, Mr Blair's lack of concern shows an admirable determination not to succumb to the political correctness that afflicts many on the left.

The Economist

One reason, arguably, why real incomes for poor Americans rose at the end of the 1990s was because the welfare-reform law in 1996 forced them to find work.Similarly, Americans, even in recessions, still tend to lack the deep-rooted class envy that still afflicts Old Europe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "afflicts", ensure that the subject is something that causes pain, suffering, or distress to the object. For example, "Poverty afflicts many communities" is correct, but "Joy afflicts many communities" is not.

Common error

Avoid using "afflicts" with a subject that does not logically cause suffering. Ensure the subject is a negative influence or condition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "afflicts" is that of a transitive verb. It describes an action (causing suffering or distress) done by a subject (e.g., a disease, poverty) to an object (e.g., people, a community). This aligns with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "afflicts" is a grammatically sound term used to describe the causing of pain, suffering, or distress. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, formal business, and scientific sources. While it is a strong and somewhat formal term, it's important to use it correctly, ensuring the subject logically causes suffering to the object. Alternatives such as "troubles", "plagues", or "harms" can be used to provide a slightly different nuance. Using "afflicts" accurately can greatly enhance the impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubles

This alternative is a more general term for causing problems or difficulties.

plagues

This alternative suggests a widespread and serious problem or suffering.

harms

This alternative focuses on the damage or injury caused.

torments

This alternative implies severe mental or physical suffering.

besets

This alternative indicates that something is constantly causing problems or difficulties.

oppresses

This alternative suggests the exercise of authority or power in a cruel or unjust manner.

scourges

This alternative denotes a cause of great suffering or punishment.

burdens

This alternative emphasizes the imposition of a heavy load or responsibility.

inflicts suffering on

This alternative specifies the action of causing pain or distress.

creates hardship for

This alternative highlights the creation of difficult living conditions.

FAQs

How to use "afflicts" in a sentence?

Use "afflicts" to describe something that causes pain, suffering, or distress. For example, "The disease "afflicts" millions of people."

What can I say instead of "afflicts"?

You can use alternatives like "troubles", "plagues", or "harms" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the disease afflicts" or "the disease benefits"?

"The disease "afflicts"" is correct because "afflicts" implies a negative impact, which aligns with the nature of a disease.

What's the difference between "afflicts" and "affects"?

"Afflicts" means to cause pain or suffering, while "affects" means to have an influence on something. For example, "The disease afflicts the population," versus "The weather affects the crop yield."