bring about ruin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bring about ruin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or events that lead to destruction or significant negative consequences. Example: "The reckless decisions made by the management could ultimately bring about ruin for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A toxic mixture of Jordan's viciousness and the villagers' guilt-ridden dread bring about ruin.

The Guardian - Books

As Paul VI said: "The real danger comes from man, who has at his disposal ever more powerful instruments that are as well fitted to bring about ruin as they are to achieve lofty conquests" (ibid).

Independent

And with rising sea levels and flooding already threatening to bring about ruin in coastal real estate markets, there is a lot more than ice that is poised to fall into the ocean.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Prior to Machiavelli, works in this genre advised princes to adopt the best prince as their model, but Machiavelli's version recommends that a prince go to the "effectual truth" of things and forgo the standard of "what should be done" lest he bring about his ruin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In response to recent sallies from the G.O.P. nominee, Gov. George W. Bush of Texas, Mr. Clinton pointed out that when the administration enacted its economic strategy of trying to close the budget deficit, even by raising taxes on the richest Americans, the Republican leadership in Congress voted uniformly against it and predicted it would bring about economic ruin.

The New York Times

When it is superbly executed — as by Mr. Cornejo — the dancing explains why James needs more than this world can give him, shows all the dangerous pride that will bring about his ruin, begins to make him akin to the Sylph, and finally shows the extent of human passion that no Sylph can know.

The New York Times - Arts

Karalio wrote: "Isabeau was raised by the furies to bring about the ruin of the state and to sell it to its enemies; Isabeau of Bavaria appeared, and her marriage, celebrated in Amiens on July 17 , 1385 would be regarded as the most horrifying moment in our history".

Wikipedia

As you gradually bring about the friends' ruin we learn so much about you, and why you do what you do.

The New York Times - Books

This insight undermined the ancient worldview, which found its perfect representation in tragic drama, where characters bring about their own ruin because they are fated to do so.

The New York Times

A group of elephants obliviously crossing a farmer's field in Africa or Southeast Asia can do enough damage with their huge feet and foraging trunks to bring about both economic ruin and their own consequent demise.

The New York Times

"Many have imagined republics and principalities which have never been seen or known to exist in reality; for how we live is so far removed from how we ought to live, that he who abandons what is done for what ought to be done, will rather bring about his own ruin than his preservation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bring about ruin" when you want to emphasize the active role someone or something plays in causing a negative outcome. It suggests a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

While "bring about ruin" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "cause destruction" or "lead to downfall" to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring about ruin" functions as a causative verb phrase. It describes the action of causing something negative, specifically destruction or downfall. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it effectively conveys the idea of initiating a destructive process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bring about ruin" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile expression used to describe the causation of destruction or downfall. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its acceptance and usability, highlighting its function as a causative verb phrase. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily within News & Media. For alternative expressions, consider "cause destruction" or "lead to downfall" to avoid overuse. It's important to remember that while a valid expression, variety in word choice enriches writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause destruction

Focuses on the act of destroying something.

lead to downfall

Emphasizes the process of decline and collapse.

precipitate collapse

Highlights a sudden and dramatic failure.

trigger devastation

Focuses on widespread damage and destruction.

spark catastrophe

Implies initiating a major disaster.

result in devastation

Focuses on the outcome of widespread damage.

engender destruction

Highlights the creation or generation of destruction.

effectuate demise

More formal alternative, emphasizing the end or termination of something.

initiate collapse

Implies beginning the process of falling apart.

generate perdition

A more dramatic and literary alternative suggesting utter ruin.

FAQs

How can I use "bring about ruin" in a sentence?

You can use "bring about ruin" to describe actions or events that cause destruction or significant negative consequences. For instance: "The company's mismanagement could "bring about ruin"."

What phrases are similar to "bring about ruin"?

Alternatives include "cause destruction", "lead to downfall", or "precipitate collapse". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "bring about ruin" formal or informal?

The phrase "bring about ruin" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "effectuate demise" may be preferred in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "bring about ruin" and "cause ruin"?

"Bring about ruin" emphasizes the process or actions that lead to destruction, while "cause ruin" focuses more directly on the act of causing the ruin itself. They are largely interchangeable, but the nuance can subtly shift the emphasis.