has been sullied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been sullied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been tarnished, damaged, or made impure, often in a moral or reputational sense. Example: "The once pristine reputation of the organization has been sullied by recent scandals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His name has been sullied".

The New Yorker

The beautiful game has been sullied by tawdry gamesmanship.

The New York Times

His aura, ever so briefly, has been sullied.

The Guardian - Sport

This proud night for Britain has been sullied by this grotesque representation of London.

Independent

It has been sullied and poisoned and spat upon by aide after aide.

The Washington Post

Here is Sam Donaldson sanctimoniously ranting that the White House has been "sullied".

The New York Times - Arts

Eventually, we may understand how our character has been sullied and seduced.

The New York Times

Party surveys show that Mr. Obama has been sullied — along with all politicians in Washington — with independent voters.

The New York Times

"For them the matter is finished … their race has been sullied for eternity by the blood of the righteous.

The Guardian

The UK's reputation as a government that respects human rights has been sullied by its counterterrorism policy and practice.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's perhaps the ugliest moment in a primary fight that has been sullied by bigotry from the start.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been sullied" to describe situations where something's reputation, purity, or integrity has been damaged, particularly by unethical or scandalous actions. This phrase adds a nuanced tone of disappointment and moral judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "has been sullied" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone may sound out of place. Opt for simpler words like "tainted" or "damaged" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been sullied" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something has undergone a negative change, typically affecting its reputation or purity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is indeed a valid and usable English construct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been sullied" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily within news and media contexts, to describe something whose reputation or purity has been damaged. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While alternatives like "has been tainted" or "has been tarnished" exist, "has been sullied" often implies a deeper moral or ethical corruption. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been tainted

Implies a slight contamination or corruption, less severe than "sullied".

has been tarnished

Suggests a loss of luster or reputation, similar to "sullied" but focuses more on appearance.

has been defiled

Indicates a more profound violation or desecration, carrying a stronger negative connotation.

has been corrupted

Focuses on moral decay or dishonesty, a specific type of "sullied".

has been compromised

Implies a weakening or endangering, often in terms of security or integrity.

has been disgraced

Highlights public shame and loss of respect, a consequence of being "sullied".

has been stained

Suggests a lasting mark or blemish, emphasizing the enduring impact of the damage.

has been dishonored

Focuses on the loss of honor or integrity, often through a specific action.

has been ruined

Indicates a complete destruction or devastation, a more extreme outcome than "sullied".

has been wrecked

Suggests a severe damage or destruction, often in a physical or structural sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been sullied" to indicate that something's reputation or purity has been damaged. For example, "The company's reputation "has been sullied" by the scandal."

What's a less formal alternative to "has been sullied"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "has been tainted", "has been damaged", or "has been harmed" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is "has been sullied" most appropriate?

"Has been sullied" is most appropriate in formal writing and speech, particularly when discussing matters of reputation, integrity, or moral purity. It's often used in news reports, academic papers, and professional communications.

Is "has been sullied" interchangeable with "has been tarnished"?

While "has been sullied" and "has been tarnished" are similar, "has been sullied" often carries a stronger connotation of moral or ethical impurity. "Tarnished" is more frequently used in reference to appearance or superficial damage, while "sullied" suggests a deeper corruption.