be scarred with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be scarred with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has been marked or affected by a traumatic experience or injury, both physically and emotionally. Example: "After the accident, he would forever be scarred with the memories of that day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But all the freedom in the world, I'm afraid, won't make up for Tory budget cuts that are so fast and so deep that communities across our country will be scarred with higher unemployment.

The Guardian

The leather used in these shoes looks like burnished wood and can be scarred with tattoos of your choice ($2,030), engraved with excerpts from manuscripts from the court of Louis XV ($1,500), or custom-tinted by the in-house colorist.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And these fields are scarred with history.

The Guardian - Sport

The roads are scarred with soot from burned tires.

The New York Times

Even so, page after page is scarred with redactions.

The Economist

People whose lives, like ours, are scarred with the collateral consequences of addiction.

Harvard University

The surface is scarred with giant canyons and craters punch deep into its surface.

The Guardian

Every few yards a spruce was scarred with deep, truly terrifying, gouge marks.

The Guardian - Travel

She looks into it, looks up to where the blue is scarred with aimless tracks.

The Guardian

Down below, part of the quarry bottom was scarred with black marks.

The New York Times - Arts

One of the refugee center's buildings is scarred with scorch marks from a recent arson attack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be scarred with", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the scarring is physical, emotional, or both. For instance, "The landscape was scarred with trenches" (physical) vs. "His memories were scarred with guilt" (emotional).

Common error

Avoid using "be scarred with" when a milder term like "affected by" or "marked by" would be more appropriate. "Scarred" implies a deep, often permanent, negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be scarred with" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that a subject has been marked or affected, usually negatively and permanently, by something. This is supported by Ludwig which confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it describing landscapes, emotions, and even abstract concepts like political terms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be scarred with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a lasting negative impact, as confirmed by Ludwig. While suitable for various contexts, it's important to consider the intensity of the term and use it appropriately to reflect the depth and permanence of the "scar". It appears most often in News & Media, academic or scientific articles, where the aim is to describe profound and often irreparable effects. Be mindful not to overuse it when "affected by" or "marked by" might suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bear the marks of

Emphasizes visible signs or lasting effects from a past event.

carry the burden of

Highlights the emotional or psychological weight resulting from a negative experience.

be marked by

A more general phrase indicating influence or impact, not necessarily negative.

be tainted by

Suggests corruption or moral degradation due to a past event.

suffer the consequences of

Focuses on the negative outcomes resulting from a specific action or event.

be haunted by

Emphasizes persistent memories or emotional distress related to a past trauma.

live with the repercussions of

Highlights the ongoing impact and effects of a past action.

be affected by

A broader term indicating influence or impact, without specifying the nature of the effect.

show the effects of

Indicates visible signs of wear, damage, or impact.

be impacted negatively by

Specifically emphasizes the adverse effects of a particular situation or event.

FAQs

How can I use "be scarred with" in a sentence?

You can use "be scarred with" to describe something or someone permanently affected by a traumatic experience or injury. For example: "The land was "be scarred with" the marks of war."

What's a good alternative to "be scarred with"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "be marked by", "bear the marks of", or "carry the burden of".

Is it appropriate to use "be scarred with" in formal writing?

Yes, "be scarred with" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing significant or lasting negative impacts. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it's the most appropriate choice.

What kind of subjects can "be scarred with" describe?

The phrase can describe various subjects, including physical landscapes, emotional states, relationships, or historical events, as long as they have sustained lasting damage or negative effects.