is afflicted by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is afflicted by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase to mean that someone or something is experiencing some negative effect or is under the influence of something. For example, "The whole town is afflicted by poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But India is afflicted by something worse than inequality.

The Economist

Increasingly, Western life is afflicted by the paradoxes of progress.

The New York Times

So the new pope thinks that the Western world is afflicted by relativism.

The New York Times

Britain today is afflicted by a kind of perfect storm of problems.

The Guardian

Uniquely among humankind, it would seem that she is afflicted by not a single moral defect.

The Guardian - Books

However, theatre here is afflicted by one overwhelming, trenchant problem: a lack of audiences.

The Guardian

The eurozone is afflicted by three interconnected ills: a sovereign-debt crisis, a banking crisis and a growth crisis.

The Economist

And so Berezniki is afflicted by sinkholes, yawning chasms hundreds of feet deep that can open at a moment's notice.

The New York Times

Arsene Wenger believes that football is afflicted by a serious doping problem that remains largely undetected by the sport's authorities.

Independent

In "Demosclerosis" (Times Books, 1994), Jonathan Rauch, a populariser of Olson's work, says that America is afflicted by "hyperpluralism".

The Economist

But Mr. Rodríguez Orejuela has lost control of much of his business, authorities say, and is afflicted by several ailments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is afflicted by" to describe a state of suffering or being burdened by something undesirable, whether it's a disease, a problem, or a negative influence. Ensure the subject is something that can genuinely experience affliction.

Common error

While "is afflicted by" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more neutral or precise terms might be better suited. Consider alternatives like "is affected by" or "experiences" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is afflicted by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is experiencing or suffering from something negative. Ludwig confirms its validity, showcasing its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is afflicted by" is a versatile phrase used to convey that someone or something is suffering from a negative condition or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While the phrase is generally appropriate, writers should be mindful of the formality level and ensure it aligns with their intended tone. Consider alternatives like "is burdened by" or "is affected by" to fine-tune the nuance. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of "is afflicted by", empowering writers to use it effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is suffering from

Emphasizes the experience of pain or distress caused by something.

is burdened by

Replaces "afflicted" with "burdened", emphasizing the weight or difficulty caused by something.

is plagued by

Replaces "afflicted" with "plagued", suggesting a persistent and troublesome issue.

is ridden with

Suggests being heavily burdened or overwhelmed by something negative.

is troubled by

Substitutes "afflicted" with "troubled", focusing on the distress or worry caused.

is hampered by

Highlights the hindrance or obstruction caused by something.

is impaired by

Focuses on the reduction in function or ability due to something.

is affected by

A more general term indicating influence, but in this context, a negative one.

is marred by

Emphasizes the damage or imperfection caused by something.

is subject to

Indicates a vulnerability or susceptibility to something negative.

FAQs

How can I use "is afflicted by" in a sentence?

Use "is afflicted by" to describe a state of suffering or being burdened by something negative. For example, "The region "is afflicted by" drought", or "He "is afflicted by" a rare disease".

What are some alternatives to "is afflicted by"?

Alternatives include "is burdened by", "is plagued by", or "is affected by". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is afflicted by" formal or informal?

"Is afflicted by" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It's suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional documents, but may sound overly dramatic in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "is afflicted by" and "is affected by"?

"Is afflicted by" suggests a more severe and negative impact than "is affected by". While "affected" simply means influenced, "afflicted" implies suffering or being burdened by something undesirable. For example, "The economy "is affected by" inflation", but "The population "is afflicted by" poverty".