is spoiled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is spoiled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has gone bad or is no longer fresh, often in reference to food or a situation where someone is overly indulged. Example: "The milk is spoiled, so we need to throw it away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But he's spoiled, like a child is spoiled," he said.

Vice

MetLife is spoiled for choice.

The New York Times

One mistake and the drawing is spoiled.

The Guardian - Arts

Eric Rambure, 38, said, "The system is spoiled".

The New York Times

Anyone seeking something lavish and illustrated is spoiled for choice.

Independent

Our whole program is spoiled with a player like Carson".

The New York Times - Sports

Joyce said she heard people say, "Bobbi is spoiled".

The New York Times

But of course the taste of the wine is spoiled".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The entire valley is spoiled by mass tourism".

The New York Times - Travel

The whole country, himself included, is spoiled, he said.

The New York Times

But his mother, Antoinette D'Amato, 85, says he is spoiled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food quality, use "is spoiled" to indicate that the food has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat. For character flaws resulting from over-indulgence, "is spoiled" implies a negative upbringing.

Common error

Avoid using "is spoiled" in highly formal writing when describing abstract concepts. Opt for more precise terms like "is undermined" or "is compromised" for increased clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is spoiled" is to act as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has been affected by an action, resulting in a negative change or undesirable state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both valid and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is spoiled" functions as a passive verb phrase used to describe something that has deteriorated or been ruined, or someone who has been overindulged. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and commonly used phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts, as well as wiki sources. While grammatically sound, it's best to consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the intended register. When in doubt, alternatives like "is ruined" or "is damaged" may offer greater precision in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is ruined

Emphasizes the state of being damaged or destroyed beyond repair.

is damaged

Focuses on the harm or impairment caused to something.

is corrupted

Highlights moral decay or impurity, applicable when something is negatively influenced.

is tainted

Suggests contamination or a loss of purity.

is decaying

Implies a gradual process of decomposition or decline.

is rotten

Specifically refers to food that has gone bad or is decomposing.

is pampered

Indicates excessive indulgence and attention, often leading to a negative outcome.

is overindulged

Stresses the act of excessive gratification or pampering.

is coddled

Highlights the act of treating someone with extreme care and protectiveness.

is beyond repair

Emphasizes the irreparability of the damage.

FAQs

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

You can use "is spoiled" to describe food that has gone bad, such as "The milk "is spoiled"". It can also describe a person who has been overindulged, like "The child "is spoiled" because he gets everything he wants".

What's a more formal alternative to "is spoiled"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "is ruined", "is damaged", or "is compromised" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is spoiled" or should I use another tense?

"Is spoiled" is correct in the present tense, indicating a current state. If you're referring to the past, you'd use "was spoiled", and for the future, "will be spoiled".

What is the difference between "is spoiled" and "has spoiled"?

"Is spoiled" describes a current state, whereas "has spoiled" indicates a completed action in the past that has resulted in the current state. For example, "The milk "is spoiled"" means it's currently bad, while "The milk "has spoiled"" means it became bad at some point.