has been tainted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been tainted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been negatively affected or corrupted in some way. Example: "The reputation of the organization has been tainted by recent scandals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The imprint has been tainted, arguably beyond repair.

Independent

"Tyrant", from the Greek, has been tainted since antiquity.

The Economist

Even cricket, the sport of gentlemen, has been tainted.

The Economist

The trial has been tainted by highly dubious procedures.

The Guardian

Since then it has been tainted by its subject matter.

The New York Times - Arts

To be sure, Guantánamo has been tainted by scandal.

The Guardian - Opinion

His reputation has been tainted by his politics.

The New York Times - Magazine

African qualifying has been tainted by several sides having points docked and results being overturned.

Independent

No one has asserted that I'll Have Another has been tainted by O'Neill's practices.

The New York Times - Sports

Every one of the billions of eggs produced this way has been tainted.

The New York Times

This feel-good story has been tainted by this recent investigation.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been tainted" to describe situations where something's original quality or reputation has been negatively impacted, especially by association with something undesirable. Ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the tainting.

Common error

Avoid using "has been tainted" in situations where the negative impact is minor or easily reversible. Choose a less severe phrase if the situation doesn't warrant such a strong connotation. Reserve it for instances where the damage is significant and lasting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been tainted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject has undergone a negative alteration or corruption. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

5%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been tainted" is a versatile phrase used to express that something's quality or reputation has been negatively affected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral, its specific nuance depends on the context, and alternatives like "has been compromised" or "has been tarnished" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. Avoid overuse in situations lacking significant negative impact to ensure the phrase retains its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been compromised

This alternative suggests that something's security or integrity has been breached, leading to a weakened state.

has been corrupted

This phrase implies a loss of purity or integrity, often due to moral decay or outside influence.

has been tarnished

Similar to "tainted", but often refers to damage to someone's reputation or image.

has been sullied

This suggests a stain or defilement, often with moral or ethical implications.

has been defiled

A stronger term implying a violation of something sacred or pure.

has been contaminated

This phrase indicates the introduction of something harmful or impure.

has been stained

Suggests a lasting mark or blemish, often difficult to remove.

has been discredited

Implies that something has lost its credibility or trustworthiness.

has been spoiled

Suggests that something has been ruined or made undesirable.

has been weakened

Indicates a reduction in strength, power, or effectiveness.

FAQs

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

Use "has been tainted" to describe situations where something has been negatively affected or corrupted. For example, "The election "has been tainted" by allegations of fraud".

What can I say instead of "has been tainted"?

Alternatives include "has been compromised", "has been corrupted", or "has been tarnished", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "has been tainted" or "was tainted"?

"Has been tainted" implies a continuing state resulting from a past action, while "was tainted" refers to a completed action in the past. The choice depends on whether the tainting effect persists.

What's the difference between "has been tainted" and "has been contaminated"?

"Has been tainted" generally refers to a negative impact on reputation or quality, while "has been contaminated" typically refers to the introduction of harmful substances or elements. For example, "The water supply "has been contaminated" with bacteria" versus "The politician's reputation "has been tainted" by scandal".