bane of science

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bane of science" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes great distress or harm to the field of science. Example: "The lack of funding for research is often seen as the bane of science, hindering progress and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

SPURIOUS correlation is a bane of science.

The Economist

Private meteorite hunters are not the bane of science ("Black Market Trinkets From Space," April 5).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The bane of civilization.

Forbes

If overarching themes emerge, it's that "big-balled" macho Americans who hate science, socialists and "your Kenyan trickster president" are the bane of humanity and that science about approaching environmental doom is "50 times worse than the reports".

The Guardian - Music

Procrastination is the bane of many students.

Stanford University

Bane of office workers everywhere.

The Guardian - Tech

Targetitis: the bane of doctors' lives.

The Economist

IT IS the bane of modern life.

The Times

Admin is the bane of my life.

The Guardian - Books

Traffic congestion is a bane of modern city life.

Economics of Transportation

It's the bane of many of a pregnancy.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "bane of science", ensure you clearly define what specific issue or concept you are referring to. For example, instead of saying "pseudoscience is the bane of science", specify which aspect of pseudoscience is detrimental.

Common error

Avoid using "bane of science" too frequently in your writing. While it can be effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "detriment to science" or "obstacle to scientific discovery".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bane of science" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as a cause of persistent distress or annoyance within the field of science. Ludwig examples show it describing spurious correlations, for example.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bane of science" is a noun phrase used to describe something that causes significant distress or harm to the field of science. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, its use is appropriate in formal contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. To enhance clarity, always specify what you consider to be the "bane of science". Consider alternatives like "detriment to science" or "obstacle to scientific discovery" to avoid repetition and add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detriment to science

Focuses on the idea of something causing harm or damage to science.

impediment to scientific progress

Highlights the obstruction or hindrance of advancement in science.

hindrance to scientific inquiry

Emphasizes the obstruction of the process of scientific investigation.

obstacle to scientific discovery

Focuses on preventing new findings in science.

curse of science

Uses a stronger term to indicate something causing great harm or misfortune to science.

scourge of science

Implies a widespread and devastating problem for science.

downfall of science

Suggests something that could lead to the failure or collapse of science.

plague of science

Indicates a persistent and troublesome issue affecting science.

threat to science

Highlights the danger posed to scientific endeavors.

challenge to scientific integrity

Focuses on something that puts the honesty and reliability of science at risk.

FAQs

How can I use "bane of science" in a sentence?

You can use "bane of science" to describe something that is a significant problem or cause of trouble for the scientific field. For example, "Spurious correlation is a "bane of science"."

What is an alternative to saying "bane of science"?

Alternatives include "detriment to science", "obstacle to scientific discovery", or "challenge to scientific integrity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bane of science" in formal writing?

Yes, "bane of science" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts, as demonstrated by its appearance in publications like The Economist and The New York Times. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What makes something the "bane of science"?

Something becomes the "bane of science" when it significantly hinders scientific progress, undermines its integrity, or causes considerable damage to its reputation or methodology. Examples include things like fraud, bias, or lack of funding.