is bedeviled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is bedeviled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person that is troubled or plagued by difficulties or problems. Example: "The project is bedeviled by constant delays and budget overruns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

If Mr. Espada says he is bedeviled, think how federal prosecutors must have felt.

The New York Times

Mr. Lhota is bedeviled by another live, hovering specter: Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

"France today is bedeviled by a politics of vilification of immigrants," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

As intimated above, the physical definition of H. sapiens is bedeviled by a basic divergence of views among paleoanthropologists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the very notion of home is bedeviled for Frank, as is the bitter running joke of his family name.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, Nigeria's commercial hub, Lagos, hosts an exciting fashion week, even though it lacks substantial government support and is bedeviled by power failures and other infrastructure challenges.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

In the great taxation debate of 2013, there is another issue that is bedeviling lawmakers at the state and federal level.

The New York Times

It is bedeviling problem: if a hotel's phones are out, the obvious way to make a reservation is the Web.

The New York Times

Sex surveyors are bedeviled scientists.

The New York Times - Arts

"They haven't been bedeviled by John".

The New York Times - Sports

The Islamic Republic has been bedeviled by its own accomplishments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is bedeviled" to describe situations or entities consistently and repeatedly troubled by specific, identifiable issues.

Common error

Avoid using "is bedeviled" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is troubled" or "is plagued" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is bedeviled" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a passive construction. It describes a state of being afflicted or troubled by something. Ludwig confirms that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is bedeviled" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a state of being plagued or troubled by something. While usable in written English, its frequency is uncommon. It is mostly found in news media and science sources and tends towards a formal register. As Ludwig confirms, "is bedeviled" can be effectively used to describe situations facing persistent difficulties. Alternatives such as "is plagued" or "is troubled" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is plagued

Replaces "bedeviled" with a more common synonym, focusing on the act of being consistently troubled.

is beset

Similar to "bedeviled" but implies a more aggressive or violent form of trouble.

is troubled

A more general term indicating a state of being worried or disturbed.

is afflicted

Suggests suffering from a particular condition or problem.

is hampered

Focuses on the hindering aspect of a problem, suggesting something is being slowed down or prevented.

is burdened

Implies a heavy load or responsibility that is causing difficulties.

is vexed

Indicates a state of being annoyed or frustrated by something.

is cursed

A stronger term suggesting a supernatural cause for the problems.

is ridden with

Implies that something is full of problems or negative elements.

is dogged by

Suggests that problems are persistently following or chasing someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "is bedeviled" to describe something that is plagued or troubled by problems. For example: "The project "is bedeviled" by constant delays."

What's a good alternative to "is bedeviled"?

Alternatives include "is plagued", "is beset", or "is troubled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is bedeviled" a formal or informal expression?

"Is bedeviled" is considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, it may be better to use alternatives like "is having trouble with" or "is struggling with".

What's the difference between "is bedeviled" and "is plagued"?

While both indicate being troubled, "is bedeviled" suggests a more persistent and vexing form of trouble, often implying a sense of being harassed or bewildered, whereas "is plagued" simply means consistently troubled.