has been plaguing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been plaguing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a persistent problem or issue that has been affecting someone or something over a period of time. Example: "The town has been plaguing by a series of unfortunate events that have left the community in distress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Cheryl Cole has been plaguing me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I say welcome to the party, because it has been plaguing my community now for decades".

The New Yorker

— Dan Jenkins (@danjenkinsgd) 18 Jul 13 It is a neck injury that has been plaguing Louis Oosthuizen.

The New York Times

The US regulator said the fault appeared to be "systemic" and something that has been "plaguing subsea equipment".

The Guardian

Skepticism has been plaguing Del Rey since she came into view, and this can't be unrelated to the level of discipline on display at the Wooly event.

The New Yorker

"It has been plaguing our industry for months," said Lori Barnes, vice president for public affairs at the American International Automobile Dealers Association in Alexandria, Va.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

His leadership has been plagued by missteps.

The Economist

The area has been plagued of late.

The Economist

His staff has been plagued by turnover.

The New York Times

The partnership has been plagued by infighting.

The New York Times

It has been plagued by scandals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been plaguing" to describe persistent problems that cause significant trouble or distress. It's stronger than "affecting" but less severe than "devastating".

Common error

Avoid using "has been plaguing" too frequently in your writing. While it's a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "has been troubling" or "has been affecting" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been plaguing" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It indicates an action that started in the past and continues into the present, causing persistent trouble or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been plaguing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes a persistent problem causing trouble or distress, and the Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the phrase. It is primarily found in news and media contexts but also appears in scientific and formal writing. While appropriate for formal writing, consider synonyms to avoid overuse. Related phrases include "has been troubling" and "has been affecting". Understanding its nuances helps in effective communication across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been troubling

Replaces "plaguing" with a milder synonym suggesting a less severe or persistent problem.

has been affecting

Focuses on the impact of something rather than its bothersome nature.

has been burdening

Implies a heavy load or responsibility caused by something.

has been afflicting

Suggests a source of pain or suffering, often related to health or societal issues.

has been tormenting

Conveys a sense of severe and prolonged suffering or distress.

has been bedeviling

Uses a more whimsical term for "troubling", implying something difficult to resolve.

has been dogging

Implies that something is persistently following or harassing.

has been haunting

Suggests a recurring or lingering presence that causes unease or distress.

has been vexing

Highlights the irritating or frustrating nature of something.

has been hounding

Implies relentless pursuit or harassment, often in a figurative sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been plaguing" to describe something that has been causing persistent trouble or distress over a period of time. For example, "The issue of unemployment "has been plaguing" the region for years."

What are some alternatives to "has been plaguing"?

Alternatives include "has been troubling", "has been affecting", "has been burdening", and "has been afflicting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "has been plaguing" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant or persistent problems. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it's the most suitable choice. More formal alternatives might be "has been afflicting" or "has been burdening".

What's the difference between "has been plaguing" and "has been affecting"?

"Has been plaguing" implies a more bothersome or troublesome situation, suggesting persistent irritation or distress. "Has been affecting", on the other hand, is more neutral and simply indicates that something has had an impact, without necessarily implying a negative connotation. Use "has been plaguing" when you want to emphasize the troublesome nature of the issue.