is condemned to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is condemned to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a sense of being forced into a negative situation or fate, often implying a lack of choice. Example: "He feels that he is condemned to a life of monotony and despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A priest, victim of an unjust condemnation," Father Marchesi said, "is condemned to death".

The New York Times

He is condemned to leave and return.

The New Yorker

At court, he is condemned to death.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it is condemned to avoid symbols.

The New York Times

An organization that does not evolve is condemned to die".

The New York Times

Each nation on its own is condemned to global insignificance.

The Guardian - Opinion

He told me, "Binary gender is condemned to disappear".

The New Yorker

But this does not mean it is condemned to perpetual opposition.

The Economist

Joy knows nobody and, so, is condemned to being, in the wider world, a nobody.

The New Yorker

Without sustained investments in human capital and institution-building, growth is condemned to peter out.

The Economist

And, when it doesn't come, he kills his boss, and is condemned to death.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is condemned to" when you want to convey a sense of inevitability, particularly when referring to a negative outcome or unpleasant fate. It adds a strong, almost fatalistic tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is condemned to" in situations where a more neutral or less dramatic phrase would be appropriate. It's best reserved for scenarios involving negative consequences or unavoidable fates, not for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is condemned to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being subjected to an unavoidable and often negative fate or consequence. As Ludwig AI describes, the examples show its usage in conveying inevitability. For example, "Each generation is condemned to grapple anew with the possibilities and perils of splitting the atom and destroying humanity."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is condemned to" is a commonly used expression to convey a sense of inevitable and often negative fate. As Ludwig AI underlines, its grammatical status is correct, with high usage frequency across various sources, especially in news and media. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid overdramatization in neutral contexts. Alternatives like "is doomed to" or "is fated to" can offer nuanced alternatives. Its purpose is to emphasize a lack of choice or control over an impending outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is doomed to

Emphasizes a negative outcome that cannot be avoided, similar to a predetermined fate.

is fated to

Highlights destiny or preordained circumstances leading to a particular outcome.

is destined to

Suggests a future that is unavoidable based on current conditions or inherent qualities.

is bound to

Indicates a high probability or certainty of a particular outcome.

is compelled to

Highlights being forced or required to do something against one's will or preference.

is obligated to

Implies a moral or legal requirement to perform a specific action.

is sentenced to

Specifically denotes a legal or formal assignment of punishment or obligation.

is forced to

Emphasizes the lack of choice and external pressure leading to a specific action or situation.

is relegated to

Suggests a demotion or placement in a less desirable position or situation.

is subjected to

Highlights the experience of undergoing something unpleasant or undesirable.

FAQs

What does "is condemned to" mean?

The phrase "is condemned to" means someone or something is inevitably facing a negative fate or outcome, often implying a lack of choice or escape.

How can I use "is condemned to" in a sentence?

You can use it to express a sense of inescapable fate, such as "Without proper maintenance, the old bridge "is doomed to" collapse".

What are some alternatives to "is condemned to"?

Alternatives include "is doomed to", "is fated to", or "is destined to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "is condemned to" formal or informal?

"Is condemned to" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, but it carries a strong, somewhat dramatic tone that might not be appropriate for all contexts. A more neutral alternative might be preferable in some situations.