curses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to expressions of anger or frustration, often in a playful or humorous context. Example: "After stepping on a Lego, he let out a string of curses that made everyone laugh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once they undressed, he would paint them with water, and diagnose them as suffering from curses or black magic.

The Guardian

Tsiolkas is working class and gay; his parents are Greek immigrants; his aunts are illiterate and mum doesn't speak much English – though he says that his father had great storytelling abilities, and was steeped in European folklore, a believer in vampires, curses and the evil eye.

The Guardian - Books

Superstitions and curses are so frequently invoked that when I proposed earlier this season that NY was in a good position to win the Shield, I was shushed by people complaining I had just jinxed the team.

The Guardian - Sport

When the same river, at this point called the Padma, reaches the coast, it is often so feeble that the sea intrudes, poisoning the land with salt.The same problem curses the delta of the Indus in Pakistan.

The Economist

In the same episode a frustrated new driver curses repeatedly at a Lamborghini in the next lane and screams, "Are you bullying me because I don't know any traffic cops?" In the next scene he is in a neck brace and his nose is broken.Mr Zhu says what makes him a diaosi is that he is the son of factory workers.

The Economist

Though they are at different stages of development, these countries all suffer disproportionately from employment's main curses: low growth, clogged labour markets and a mismatch between education and work.Low growth is the most obvious of the three.

The Economist

But Ms Pessl swiftly veers from the standard whodunnit to deliver a more inventive, reality-warping tale about family curses, black magic and the manipulative influence of film.

The Economist

And it was unclear how he thought the NHS should meet his spending challenge without restricting or delaying services.Sir David's own CV reflects one of the lingering curses of NHS management.

The Economist

FOR decades vocational education has suffered from the twin curses of low status and limited innovation.

The Economist

Mr Aquino set out to save the country from its twin curses of corruption and poverty.

The Economist

Their continuing battle of wits, marked by frequent curses and the odd shouting match, has long been a feature of urban guerrilla warfare.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "curses" in creative writing, consider the specific cultural or historical context to ensure authenticity and avoid unintentional offense.

Common error

Avoid using "curses" interchangeably with general swear words; "curses" often implies a directed malevolent intention or a supernatural element beyond simple anger or frustration.

Linguistic Context

The word "curses" primarily functions as a noun, often referring to expressions of strong disapproval or ill will, or to supernatural spells intended to cause harm. Ludwig's examples show it in various contexts, including historical, religious, and fictional.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "curses" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun, frequently used in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct, conveying meanings from strong disapproval to supernatural maledictions. While it is a common term, it's important to recognize the subtle differences between "curses" and similar terms like "swear words" or "profanities". Depending on the context, the register can vary, and thoughtful consideration should be given to avoid unintended offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hexes

Refers specifically to spells intended to cause harm or bad luck.

imprecations

Formal and literary term for spoken maledictions or invocations of evil.

maledictions

More formal synonym for curses, often implying a more serious or solemn pronouncement.

oaths

Swear words, with less of a supernatural intent.

anathemas

A formal denunciation or excommunication by a religious authority.

swear words

General term for offensive language, lacks the specific intent of causing harm.

expletives

Words or phrases used to fill in speech, which may or may not be offensive.

profanities

Offensive or irreverent language, less focused on supernatural harm.

vile language

Broad term encompassing offensive and abusive speech.

abusive language

Focuses on the hurtful or malicious nature of the words used.

FAQs

How can I use the word "curses" in a sentence?

You can use "curses" to refer to expressions of anger or to describe supernatural spells or hexes. For example, "He muttered curses under his breath" or "The villagers believed the land was under a series of "hexes" and "curses"".

What's a more formal word for "curses"?

More formal alternatives to "curses" include "imprecations" and "maledictions", which are often used in literary or religious contexts.

Are "curses" the same as "swear words"?

While both "curses" and "swear words" involve offensive language, "curses" often carries a stronger connotation of wishing harm or misfortune upon someone or something, whereas "swear words" are generally expressions of anger or frustration.

When is it appropriate to use the word "curses"?

The appropriateness of using "curses" depends heavily on the context. It may be suitable in fictional narratives, historical discussions, or analyses of cultural beliefs, but should be used with caution in everyday conversation to avoid causing offense.