is marred by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is marred by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is ruined or impaired by a negative factor. For example: His reputation is marred by a history of criminal activity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it is marred by peculiarities.

The New York Times - Arts

more, is marred by a regrettable error in calculation.

Princeton University

But it is marred by three related flaws.

The Economist

But Lewis's analysis is marred by an odd paradox.

The New Yorker

And the book is marred by avoidable errors.

The Economist

But the cultural showcase is marred by fears of violence.

The Guardian

His book is marred by a fatal timidity.

The New York Times - Books

Even this, however, is marred by the spoken word.

The New York Times - Arts

Whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.

The Guardian

The book is marred by errors of fact.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The parade has been marred by violence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is marred by", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the subject being affected and the specific negative factor causing the impairment.

Common error

Avoid using "is marred by" for minor imperfections; reserve it for significant flaws that genuinely detract from the overall quality or value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is marred by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is negatively affected or damaged by something. Ludwig examples show this phrase being used to describe how flaws or negative aspects detract from an otherwise positive subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is marred by" effectively communicates that something is negatively affected by a flaw or imperfection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Occurring most frequently in news and media, but also common in scientific and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register. To enhance your writing, clearly identify both the subject and the specific negative factor, avoiding its use for trivial imperfections. Consider alternatives like "is tainted by" or "is flawed by" to add nuance. Remember, effective communication relies on precise word choice and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is impaired by

Highlights a reduction in functionality or ability, differing in its focus on a specific loss of capacity.

is flawed by

Highlights the presence of imperfections or defects, differing in focusing on inherent shortcomings.

is spoiled by

Implies something good is ruined or diminished, differing in its focus on the destruction of something positive.

is tainted by

Indicates something is contaminated or corrupted, differing in its implication of moral or ethical compromise.

is diminished by

Suggests a reduction in value or quality, differing in its emphasis on a lessening of worth.

is blemished by

Indicates a superficial imperfection or flaw, differing in its emphasis on a cosmetic defect.

is compromised by

Suggests something is weakened or undermined, differing in its emphasis on a loss of strength or integrity.

is damaged by

Suggests physical or functional harm, differing in its emphasis on tangible impairment.

is undermined by

Indicates a weakening or destabilization, differing in its implication of a gradual erosion of support.

is weakened by

Indicates a loss of strength or resilience, differing in its emphasis on a decline in power or resistance.

FAQs

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

Use "is marred by" to indicate that something is spoiled or damaged by a particular flaw or negative aspect. For example, "The film's beautiful cinematography "is marred by" a weak plot".

What are some alternatives to "is marred by"?

You can use alternatives like "is tainted by", "is flawed by", or "is compromised by" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is marred by" formal or informal?

"Is marred by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "is marred by" and "is improved by"?

"Is marred by" indicates a negative impact, while "is improved by" indicates a positive one. They are antonyms, describing opposite effects on a subject.