blow to the program

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blow to the program" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a setback or negative impact on a specific program or initiative. Example: "The unexpected budget cuts were a significant blow to the program, hindering its progress and effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But she said it would not necessarily deal a major blow to the program.

The New York Times

"The allegations, if true, represent a serious blow to the program, and they need to be fully and promptly investigated," said Senator Carl Levin, Democrat of Michigan, who is the ranking Democratic member on the Armed Services Committee.

The New York Times

Campaign finance experts say any such defection would deal a blow to the program, which has fed presidential campaigns since 1976, after its creation as part of a wave of Watergate-era reforms.

The New York Times

In a letter to Dr. Cleave last fall, 16 present and former Explorer scientists said, "Such a lengthy suspension would be a devastating blow to the program and the science community".

The New York Times - Science

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services struck a blow to the program this month announcing a final rule to cut Medicare payments for hospitals enrolled in the program by 28percentt, or about $1.6 billion.

The Washington Post

Although more challenges are to come, an adverse ruling in this case could have been a mortal blow to the program, which continues to divide the nation and roil political conversation.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The N.C.A.A. delivered two distinct and potent blows to the program.

The New York Times

The High Court dealt another blow to the chaplaincy program – creating a serious headache for the government.

The Guardian

If the inspector general's report was a body blow to the C.I.A. program, the bill passed by Congress the next year was a knockout punch.

The New York Times

The official said the six resignations were a devastating blow to the emergency program, because it is hard to recruit therapists to work in such a difficult setting.

The New York Times

But the leasing company said it had also canceled its commitment to buy 10 A380 superjumbo jets, dealing a blow to the flagship program of Airbus, a European plane maker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blow to the program", ensure that the context clearly indicates which specific aspect of the program is negatively affected. Be specific about the consequences to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "blow to the program" if the impact is minor or easily recoverable. Overusing strong language can dilute the message and reduce its impact when truly significant events occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blow to the program" functions as a noun phrase that describes a setback or negative impact on a specific program. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show it used to describe funding cuts, policy changes, and other adverse events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blow to the program" is a commonly used expression to describe a setback or negative impact on a specific program or initiative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase conveys a sense of adverse consequences and is often used to highlight the challenges faced by the program. While versatile, consider the specific context to determine if alternative phrasing might be more appropriate. Overstating the impact can diminish the power of your message, so use discretion in its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setback for the initiative

Emphasizes a temporary impediment rather than a potentially devastating impact.

hindrance to the project

Highlights the obstructive nature of the event.

reverse for the scheme

Indicates a change in direction or fortune, implying a loss of progress.

impediment to the strategy

Focuses on the barrier created, slowing down progress toward goals.

complication for the endeavor

Suggests added difficulty, complicating execution and possibly outcomes.

disadvantage for the plan

Highlights the introduction of an unfavorable condition affecting outcomes.

problem for the system

Implies an issue now inherent within the structures designed.

challenge to the operation

Emphasizes overcoming difficulties to achieve success.

drawback to the arrangement

Suggests an inherent negative aspect now more prominent.

hiccup for the process

Downplays the severity, suggesting a minor, temporary disruption.

FAQs

How can I use "blow to the program" in a sentence?

You can use "blow to the program" to describe an event or situation that negatively impacts a specific initiative. For example, "The funding cuts were a significant blow to the program."

What are some alternatives to saying "blow to the program"?

Alternatives include "setback for the initiative", "hindrance to the project", or "reverse for the scheme", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "blow to the program" in formal writing?

Yes, "blow to the program" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reporting and analytical contexts. However, consider the tone and audience; a more neutral term like "setback" might be preferable in highly sensitive situations.

What kind of programs does the phrase "blow to the program" typically refer to?

The phrase "blow to the program" can refer to various types of programs, including government initiatives, scientific projects, sports teams, or business strategies. The key is that the program experiences a significant negative impact.