aura of corruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aura of corruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pervasive atmosphere or feeling of dishonesty or unethical behavior surrounding a person, organization, or situation. Example: "The politician left office with an aura of corruption that tainted his entire administration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

An aura of corruption adds to the drama.

The Economist

The aura of corruption haunted his successors, Thanom Kittikachorn and Praphas Charusathian, who jointly held power throughout the decade following Sarit's death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Right now, it's not stable and there is, still, an aura of corruption over the organization," said Gandhi, who worked tirelessly on the independent 2013 report headed by Concacaf integrity committee head David Simmons which uprooted Warner and is now charged with reforming the regional body once again.

The Guardian - Sport

The aura of corruption, and in this case I mean fashion corruption, even infected Scott's parents.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There are lots of similarities loud men shouting populist nonsense, pervasive auras of corruption, unholy animal magnetism but Doug Ford is a thoroughly domestic production.

Vice

Heightened by the movie, Mr. Nolte's resemblance to Mr. Bridges, whose eyes glint with enough intimations of corruption to lend him a slightly slippery aura, underscores the visceral force of their angry bond.

The New York Times

From the country's southern reaches to its northern capital, the A6's slick frame and invariably tinted windows exude an aura of state privilege, authority and, to many ordinary citizens, a whiff of corruption.

The New York Times

Lack of corruption.

The New Yorker

Revelations of corruption followed.

The New York Times

It is tired of corruption.

Independent

He faces accusations of corruption.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aura of corruption", ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for the perceived corruption. Avoid using it based on vague or unsubstantiated rumors.

Common error

Avoid using "aura of corruption" repeatedly in a single text. Vary your language with synonyms like "taint of corruption" or "air of impropriety" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aura of corruption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a pervasive quality or atmosphere associated with something, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aura of corruption" is a noun phrase used to describe a perceived atmosphere of dishonesty or unethical behavior. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its common usage in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly frequent, it effectively conveys a sense of impropriety. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the perceived corruption to avoid unsubstantiated claims. Consider alternative phrases like "taint of corruption" or "air of impropriety" to vary your language and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taint of corruption

Highlights the damaging effect of corruption on something previously pure.

shadow of dishonesty

Indicates a lingering doubt about someone's honesty.

air of impropriety

Focuses on the sense of inappropriate behavior rather than outright corruption.

climate of graft

Refers to an environment where corruption is prevalent and accepted.

stench of scandal

Emphasizes the unpleasant and widely known nature of the scandal.

atmosphere of malfeasance

Highlights a general sense of wrongdoing and misconduct.

whiff of corruption

Suggests a subtle or suspected presence of corruption.

undercurrent of fraud

Suggests a hidden or underlying presence of fraudulent activity.

suspicion of bribery

Directly points to potential bribery without confirming it.

sense of illegitimacy

Emphasizes the lack of legal or ethical justification.

FAQs

How can I use "aura of corruption" in a sentence?

The phrase "aura of corruption" is used to describe a situation or entity that seems dishonest or unethical. For example, "The politician left office with an "aura of corruption" surrounding his administration."

What's a good substitute for "aura of corruption"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "air of impropriety", "taint of corruption", or "whiff of corruption" as alternatives.

Is it appropriate to use "aura of corruption" in formal writing?

Yes, "aura of corruption" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news reporting or analytical pieces where discussing perceived or alleged unethical behavior is relevant. However, ensure your usage is supported by evidence or credible sources.

What does it mean when something is described as having an "aura of corruption"?

It signifies that, while direct evidence may be lacking, there's a strong feeling or perception that corruption is present. This could stem from suspicious activities, questionable associations, or a general lack of transparency.