has been crippled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been crippled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or entity that has been severely impaired or damaged, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The economy has been crippled by the ongoing pandemic, leading to widespread unemployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Distribution has been crippled.

The Economist

The Senate has been crippled long enough.

The New York Times

Southern has been crippled by industrial action.

The Guardian - Opinion

His father speaks halting Dutch, and has been crippled by years of menial labor.

The New Yorker

Tepco has been crippled by compensation payments and other costs as a result of the accident.

The Economist

Recently, the battle for truth about Iraq's armaments has been crippled by diminishing returns.

The New York Times

It has been crippled so badly that al-Shabab has emerged as Africa's deadliest extremist group.

The Washington Post

But the pipeline linking those northern fields to Turkey has been crippled by hundreds of bombings.

The New York Times

The Massachusetts program, however, has been crippled by the Legislature's refusal to appropriate money for it.

The New York Times

Air travel has been crippled following the mid-air collision last year between a passenger plane and an executive jet.

The Economist

Obsessively groomed, the JAP has been crippled by her mother, who refuses to let her daughter call herself ugly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using this phrase; while common, it can carry negative connotations. Choose alternatives if a more neutral tone is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "has been crippled" in overly casual or informal writing. While the phrase itself isn't incorrect, it can sound overly dramatic in everyday conversation or light-hearted content. Opt for milder terms like "hindered" or "affected" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been crippled" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that something (the subject) has been severely damaged or weakened. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, appearing frequently in contexts describing impaired systems, economies, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been crippled" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something severely damaged or impaired. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for formal writing, consider the emotional impact and explore alternative phrases like "has been severely impaired" or "has been significantly weakened" for a more neutral tone. When employing "has been crippled", ensure to clearly denote the subject and its impact for effective communication. Overusing it in light-hearted contexts should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been severely impaired

Replaces "crippled" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the severity of the damage.

has been significantly weakened

Focuses on the reduction in strength or effectiveness.

has been substantially damaged

Highlights the extent of physical or functional damage.

has been effectively disabled

Indicates that something is no longer able to function properly.

has been rendered inoperative

A more technical term suggesting that something is not working or cannot be used.

has been brought to its knees

An idiomatic expression indicating a state of defeat or collapse.

has been left in tatters

Emphasizes the fragmented and ruined state of something.

has been devastated

Conveys a sense of overwhelming destruction and ruin.

has been handicapped

Similar to "crippled" but may carry different connotations depending on the context.

has been undermined

Suggests a gradual weakening or erosion of something's foundation or effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "has been crippled" in a sentence?

You can use "has been crippled" to describe something severely damaged or impaired. For example, "The economy "has been crippled" by the pandemic" or "The infrastructure "has been crippled" due to the earthquake".

What are some alternatives to "has been crippled"?

Alternatives include "has been severely impaired", "has been significantly weakened", or "has been substantially damaged". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "has been crippled" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been crippled" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant damage or impairment. However, consider your audience and the specific tone you want to convey. Alternatives like "has been undermined" or "has been weakened" may be more suitable in certain formal contexts.

What's the difference between "has been crippled" and "has been hindered"?

"Has been crippled" implies a severe and debilitating impact, suggesting that something is significantly impaired or unable to function effectively. "Has been hindered", on the other hand, suggests that something's progress or function has been delayed or obstructed, but not necessarily to the same degree of severity. A business's growth might be hindered by new regulations, but its operations are likely crippled by a major supply chain disruption.