is tainted by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is tainted by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been negatively affected or contaminated by a particular influence or factor. Example: "The investigation revealed that the evidence is tainted by a lack of proper handling procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neither is tainted by corruption.

The Economist

Mr Gandhi's coalition is tainted by corruption.

The Economist

And everyone is tainted by it.

The Guardian

Mr. McCulloch's objectivity is tainted by his tragic past.

University of California, Berkeley

Gina Haspel is tainted by her torture involvement.

The Washington Post

David Ignatius: Gina Haspel is tainted by her torture involvement.

The Washington Post

For the protesters, she is tainted by association.

The Guardian

But the project is tainted by commercial excess.

The New York Times - Arts

Howe's record is tainted by his postseason failures.

The New York Times - Sports

Like every human institution religion is tainted by original sin.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There's also an inescapable perception that the Congress is tainted by corruption and blithely tolerates it.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is tainted by" to express that something has been negatively affected or contaminated, often implying a loss of purity or integrity.

Common error

While "is tainted by" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing the sentence to use active voice where appropriate for more direct and impactful communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is tainted by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject has been negatively affected or contaminated by something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct construction used to express that something has lost its purity or integrity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is tainted by" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to express that something has been negatively affected or contaminated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and science, to convey disapproval or concern. When writing, consider alternatives like ""is compromised by"" or ""is marred by"" to vary your language. While generally neutral in register, be mindful of the negative connotation it carries. Avoid overusing passive voice for stronger writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is compromised by

Emphasizes a weakening or impairment due to a negative influence.

is marred by

Highlights a disfigurement or imperfection caused by something negative.

is affected by

Indicates an influence that has a detrimental impact.

is stained by

Suggests a lasting mark or blemish due to a negative association.

is corrupted by

Implies a loss of purity or integrity due to an external influence.

is undermined by

Focuses on the weakening or destabilizing effect of something.

is discredited by

Highlights the loss of credibility or reputation.

is discredited by

Focuses on the damage to someone's reputation or trust due to association.

is damaged by

Indicates harm or injury caused by a specific factor.

is blemished by

Emphasizes a minor flaw or imperfection that detracts from overall quality.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is tainted by" is used to indicate that something has been negatively affected or contaminated. For example: "The evidence "is tainted by" a lack of proper handling procedures."

What are some alternatives to "is tainted by"?

Alternatives include "is compromised by", "is marred by", or "is affected by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was tainted by" instead of "is tainted by"?

Yes, "was tainted by" is the past tense form and is correct when referring to a past event or condition. The choice between "is" and "was" depends on the time frame you're referencing.

What is the difference between "is tainted by" and "is influenced by"?

"Is influenced by" suggests a neutral or even positive impact, whereas "is tainted by" implies a negative contamination or degradation. The former is less pejorative.