be cursed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be cursed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one wishes to express a desire for someone or something to experience misfortune or bad luck. Example: "May those who betray us be cursed for their treachery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These glasses must be cursed.

The New Yorker

Could the I.P.L. be cursed?

The New York Times

I seem to be cursed.

Independent

Everyone in the house would be cursed.

The Guardian - Opinion

His wife laughingly tells him he must be cursed.

The New York Times - Books

Here goes: Those who are rich will be cursed".

The New Yorker

As God told Adam, "The earth will be cursed.

The Economist

But who will be cursed by such an imponderable?

The Guardian - Sport

"I must be cursed, because I don't make friends easy".

The New York Times

We seem to be cursed in the Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, people who buy the book might be cursed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be cursed" in writing, ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the intent is easily understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "be cursed" lightly or in trivial situations; its strong connotation can be disproportionate and come across as overly dramatic or insincere. Instead, opt for milder terms like "unlucky" or "unfortunate" when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be cursed" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase, often expressing a wish for misfortune or a state of being under a supernatural detriment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be cursed" is a versatile verb phrase that communicates a wish for misfortune, condemnation, or the state of being under a curse. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources. While the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable, it's important to consider the context of the phrase when deciding when to use it. Alternatives to "be cursed" include "be damned" or "be jinxed". Make sure when you do use "be cursed" that it is appropriate for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be doomed

This alternative suggests an inescapable and often negative fate.

be damned

Implies a strong condemnation, often with religious connotations.

be jinxed

Suggests bad luck due to a specific cause or influence.

be hexed

Similar to 'jinxed' but implies a more active, magical intervention.

be afflicted

Indicates suffering from a disease, malady, or other serious problem.

be plagued

Suggests being persistently troubled or afflicted by something.

be ill-fated

Implies a destiny marked by misfortune and failure.

be star-crossed

Denotes a destiny thwarted by unfavorable astrological influences.

be under a spell

Indicates being influenced by magic or enchantment, often negatively.

be visited by misfortune

More descriptive, emphasizing the arrival of bad luck or trouble.

FAQs

How can I use "be cursed" in a sentence?

The phrase "be cursed" is typically used to express a wish for misfortune upon someone or something, or to describe a state of being under a curse. For example, "May those who betray us "be cursed" for their treachery."

What are some alternatives to "be cursed"?

Alternatives include "be damned", "be doomed", "be jinxed", or "be hexed", depending on the context and the desired level of intensity.

Is it appropriate to use "be cursed" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "be cursed" carries a strong emotional charge and may not be suitable for all formal writing contexts. Consider the tone and audience before using it. More neutral alternatives may be preferable in some situations.

What is the difference between "be cursed" and "be unfortunate"?

"Be cursed" implies a supernatural or intentional cause of misfortune, while "be unfortunate" simply indicates bad luck or an unfavorable situation without suggesting a specific cause. The former is more severe and carries a stronger emotional weight.