is a bane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a bane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes distress, harm, or annoyance. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site is a bane to my concentration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

SPURIOUS correlation is a bane of science.

The Economist

Rivera is a bane to all batters.

The New York Times - Sports

Traffic congestion is a bane of modern city life.

Economics of Transportation

FALSE-MEMORY syndrome is a bane of the legal system.

The Economist

But in other incarnations, chlorine is a bane of our existence.

The New York Times - Science

The country's vegetarianism is a bane for both her people and her cattle.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

(Crowd requests are a bane of Merle's stage existence.

The New Yorker

"I loved Kurt Cobain and was a bane to my teachers".

The New York Times - Arts

Often mowed and doused with herbicides, power transmission lines have long been a bane for environmentalists.

Yale University

Yet, for many discerning wine lovers, the flavors of oak are a bane.

The New York Times - Food

The geography that defines Pakistan's security worries has also been a bane for the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a bane" to describe something that consistently causes significant problems or annoyance. Ensure the context clearly establishes the negative impact.

Common error

Avoid using "is a bane" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "problem" or "annoyance" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a weight that can sound overly dramatic in lighthearted settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a bane" functions as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun that renames or describes it. According to Ludwig, this construction is frequently used to identify something as a source of persistent trouble or annoyance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a bane" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that causes persistent trouble or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often employed in writing to express a negative evaluation. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles, academic papers, or professional communications. Remember to consider the intensity of the phrase and whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate in casual settings. Top sources include The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a curse

Emphasizes the negative impact as if inflicted by a supernatural force.

is a plague

Suggests widespread and destructive affliction.

is a scourge

Implies widespread devastation and suffering.

is a menace

Indicates a threat or danger.

is a blight

Suggests something that spoils or damages something else.

is a burden

Highlights the weight or difficulty caused by something.

is a downfall

Highlights the potential for ruin or failure.

is a nightmare

Emphasizes the unpleasant and stressful nature of something.

is a nuisance

Indicates a minor annoyance or inconvenience.

is a problem

General term for something causing difficulty or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "is a bane" in a sentence?

Use "is a bane" to describe something that causes persistent trouble or irritation. For example, "Traffic congestion is a bane of modern city life."

What's a less formal alternative to "is a bane"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "is a problem", "is a nuisance", or "is an annoyance" depending on the context.

Is "is a bane" interchangeable with "is a curse"?

While both phrases indicate something negative, "is a curse" suggests a more profound or supernatural negative influence compared to "is a bane".

What are some common subjects that "is a bane" is used to describe?

The phrase "is a bane" is often used to describe persistent problems like traffic, inconsistency, false memories, or even certain substances like chlorine.