infected by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infected by" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can usually be used when referring to a person, place, thing, or set of ideas that has been affected, usually negatively, by outside forces. For example: "The town was infected by poverty and depression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Had they been infected by the woman?

The New York Times - Health

Cerha was infected by that opening music.

The Guardian - Music

Neda was infected by the excitement.

The Guardian

Then the larvae are infected by parasitic wasps.

The New Yorker

Six others were also infected by chronic Legionella.

The Guardian

As result, so many doctors got infected by the virus.

The Guardian

The catchment had previously been infected by chytrid.

The Guardian

Or the autopsied internal organs infected by flesh-eating bacteria?

The New York Times

I've been infected by James's ominous, staccato delivery.

The Guardian - Books

Fortunately, I managed to avoid being infected by it.

The New Yorker

(true) Humans have become infected by bird flu.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "infected by", ensure that the subject is capable of being affected by an external agent. Consider whether "affected by", "influenced by", or "contaminated by" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "infected by" when the subject is actively causing the spread. In such cases, phrases like "infecting" or "spreading" are more fitting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "infected by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the infection. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a state of being affected, typically negatively, by an external agent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "infected by" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe something or someone that has been contaminated or affected by a harmful agent. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is generally negative and found across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject is capable of being infected and consider whether alternative phrases like "affected by" or "contaminated by" might be more appropriate, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using "infected by" when the subject is actively causing the spread; in such cases, active verbs are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affected by

Focuses on the general influence or impact without necessarily implying a negative effect.

contaminated by

Specifically highlights the introduction of unwanted or harmful substances.

tainted by

Implies a loss of purity or integrity due to the external influence.

afflicted with

Emphasizes suffering or hardship caused by the infection or influence.

overwhelmed by

Highlights the intensity or magnitude of the infecting agent's impact.

suffused with

Suggests a gradual or pervasive spread of the infecting agent or influence.

permeated by

Implies a deep and thorough penetration or saturation by the infecting agent.

subjected to

Focuses on the act of being exposed to or made to experience the influence.

compromised by

Suggests a weakening or impairment as a result of the infection.

succumbed to

Indicates a yielding or submission to the infecting agent's power.

FAQs

How do I use "infected by" in a sentence?

Use "infected by" to describe something or someone that has been affected by a disease, virus, or harmful influence. For example, "The wound was "infected by" bacteria."

What's the difference between "infected by" and "affected by"?

"Infected by" typically refers to a biological or digital contamination, while "affected by" is broader and can describe any kind of influence or impact. Consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate phrase.

What are some alternatives to using "infected by"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "contaminated by", "tainted by", or "afflicted with".

Is "infected by" always negative?

Yes, "infected by" typically carries a negative connotation, implying a harmful or unwanted intrusion. If the influence is positive, consider using phrases like "influenced by" or "inspired by" instead.