fouling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fouling" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to contamination, obstruction, or pollution, often in technical or environmental discussions. Example: "The fouling of the water supply has raised serious health concerns among the local population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was bad enough that Demichelis allowed himself to be turned so easily by Marc-Antoine Fortuné, but even worse that such an experienced player was foolish enough to compound his error by clumsily fouling the striker, thereby allowing Jordi Gómez to put Wigan on the way to a famous FA Cup upset, and it was a moment that encapsulated what a danger the Argentinian is to his own side.

The Guardian - Sport

The same player was found guilty of fouling a defender in the buildup to a disallowed second goal for his team just six minutes later.

The Guardian - Sport

One aim of the exercise is to identify the bad debts that are fouling up euro-zone banks and preventing the flow of new credit.

The Economist

They create even more trouble than the cats at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, fouling the streets outside the temple, causing traffic accidents and spreading rabies.

The Economist

What makes it spread?One man and his lapdog, fouling our EdenIn this section Over here Give diplomacy a chance Boom or gloom?

The Economist

Banks' balance-sheets may be difficult to understand but insurers can be mind-bogglingly complex too.Insurers also have a track record of fouling up when the economic environment worsens.

The Economist

As the poor performance of nationalised industries suggests, a surer recipe for fouling up the economy could hardly be concocted.The right way to tackle population ageing is for people to work longer and to save more.

The Economist

Among other frequent complaints are line-cutting, smoking where banned, littering and fouling public toilets.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Provinces around Beijing account for much of China's recent record levels of (air-fouling) steel and coke production.Official data show a diminishing share of grade 1 ("excellent") air-quality days since the games (see chart).

The Economist

If the idea can be scaled up, it may prove a useful weapon in the fights against hospital-caused infection and marine-fouling alike.

The Economist

"Dog-fouling and littering may not seem as important as the melting of the ice caps, but it is vital if people are to reclaim a sense of pride in their communities and drive the kind of collective action that we need to make a difference to our planet.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing marine environments, use "fouling" to specifically refer to the accumulation of organisms on submerged surfaces, like ships' hulls.

Common error

Avoid using "fouling" in general conversations where terms like "messing up" or "contaminating" are more appropriate. "Fouling" often carries a technical connotation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fouling" is as a gerund or present participle. As Ludwig AI explains, "fouling" can act as a noun (gerund) describing the act of contaminating or obstructing, or as part of a continuous verb form, indicating an ongoing action. Examples include "dog fouling" (noun) and "they were fouling" (verb).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "fouling" is a versatile word primarily used as a gerund or present participle, denoting the act of contaminating, obstructing, or violating rules. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts, including news, science, and sports. While generally neutral to formal, its technical connotation makes it particularly apt for specific discussions like marine "fouling" or environmental contamination. Its synonyms range from "contaminating" to "infringing", depending on the nuance needed. By considering the specific context and potential for misuse, writers can effectively utilize "fouling" to convey precise meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contaminating

This focuses on polluting or making something impure.

polluting

This emphasizes the act of introducing harmful substances into the environment.

obstructing

This highlights the action of blocking or impeding progress.

adulterating

This suggests making something inferior by adding a foreign substance.

infringing

This relates to violating rules or boundaries.

transgressing

This implies going beyond acceptable limits or standards.

defiling

This suggests desecrating or making something impure, often in a moral or spiritual sense.

clogging

This refers specifically to blocking a passage or system.

violating

This is a general term for breaking a rule or law.

impeding

This focuses on slowing down or hindering progress.

FAQs

How is "fouling" typically used in a sentence?

The term "fouling" is used to describe the process of something becoming contaminated or obstructed. For example, "The "fouling of the ship's hull" reduced its speed" or "The "fouling of the water supply" posed a health risk.

What are some synonyms for "fouling" when referring to contamination?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "contamination", "pollution", or "adulteration" instead of "fouling".

In sports, what does "fouling" typically mean?

In sports, "fouling" refers to an action that violates the rules of the game. This can include actions like tripping an opponent, illegally using one's hands, or other rule infringements, resulting in a "penalty" or "free kick" for the opposing team.

What is marine fouling, and why is it a problem?

Marine fouling refers to the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or animals on submerged structures in marine environments. It is a problem because it can increase drag on ships, damage underwater infrastructure, and disrupt marine ecosystems. Preventing marine fouling often involves using special "anti-fouling paints" or other technologies.