is plagued by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is plagued by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to say that someone or something is experiencing a lot of difficulties or problems. For example: "The small town is plagued by high unemployment rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is plagued by bloody nightmares.

The New York Times

The award is plagued by different issues.

The New York Times

It is plagued by loan sharks.

The Economist

The marking system is plagued by scandal.

The Economist

It is plagued by too many breakdowns.

The New York Times - Sports

America is plagued by mass shootings.

Independent

The research is plagued by methodological problems.

The New York Times

Botton is plagued by other memories.

The Guardian - Sport

YouTube is plagued by offensive content.

MIT Technology Review

The teenage son is plagued by nightmares.

The Guardian - Film

It is plagued by the narcotics trade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is plagued by" to describe situations or entities that consistently face significant and recurring problems. This construction is effective for conveying the severity and persistence of these issues.

Common error

While "is plagued by" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in informal writing or conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "has problems with" or "is troubled by" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is plagued by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is experiencing significant and persistent problems. Ludwig shows numerous examples in which it describes a state of being affected by negative influences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is plagued by" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe situations or entities experiencing persistent and significant problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal and professional contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. While effective, it is crucial to use it judiciously and consider simpler alternatives like "is troubled by" in more casual settings. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "is plagued by" to convey the severity and recurring nature of the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is afflicted with

Emphasizes suffering from a disease or ailment, similar to being plagued.

is beset by

Highlights the persistent and troublesome nature of the problems.

is troubled by

Focuses on the distress or worry caused by the problems.

is burdened with

Highlights the weight and difficulty caused by the issues.

is marred by

Emphasizes the damage or imperfection caused by the problems.

is haunted by

Suggests a lingering and disturbing presence of the problems.

is ridden with

Implies a widespread and deeply ingrained presence of the problem.

is cursed with

Suggests a sense of misfortune or bad luck associated with the problems.

is bedeviled by

Indicates being tormented or harassed by the problems.

is overwhelmed by

Highlights the feeling of being overpowered by the problems.

FAQs

How do I use "is plagued by" in a sentence?

Use "is plagued by" to describe something that suffers from recurring and significant problems. For example, "The city "is plagued by" traffic congestion" or "The project "is plagued by" delays".

What are some alternatives to "is plagued by"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "is afflicted with", "is beset by", or "is troubled by" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "is plagued by" in formal writing?

Yes, "is plagued by" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly and effectively conveys the presence of persistent and troublesome issues. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall style.

What's the difference between "is plagued by" and "is troubled by"?

"Is plagued by" suggests a more severe and persistent problem than "is troubled by". While both indicate difficulties, "is plagued by" implies a more chronic and disruptive issue, while "is troubled by" can refer to milder concerns.