it haunted them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it haunted them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a lingering feeling of fear, regret, or distress that affects someone emotionally or psychologically. Example: "The memories of that tragic event haunted them for years, making it difficult to move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It haunted them still.

The New Yorker

It haunted them into adulthood.Mr Barber is now testing his theory further.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It depends on circumstances: there are those yearning to know the truth, and it soothes them, and there are others who know the truth and it haunts them".

The New York Times

It devastated the Terps then, haunted them for the past season and has motivated them ever since.

The New York Times - Sports

Callaghan's fate haunted them all, as it must have done Cameron this week.

The Guardian

"It should haunt them.

The New York Times

And it will haunt them".

The New York Times

That is a beautiful thing for Yahoo and Google, of course, but in the long term, some analysts think it could haunt them.

The New York Times

It has come back to bite them in the heart of Ankara [a double suicide bombing in October that was claimed by Isis] and it will haunt them for a long time".

The Guardian

It can haunt them like a malicious spirit, cursing future projects and warding off all subsequent fame.

Vice

The Shugden ghost has haunted them all.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase is best used when the lingering negative impact affects them emotionally or psychologically.

Common error

Avoid using "it haunted them" for minor inconveniences or trivial matters. This phrase carries a strong connotation of lasting negative impact and is inappropriate for lighthearted situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it haunted them" functions as a clause expressing the enduring negative impact of a specific event or experience on a group of people. It highlights the persistent psychological or emotional effect, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it haunted them" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the persistent negative impact of an event or experience on a group, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of lingering unease, regret, or fear. While Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, it's important to consider the intensity of the phrase and avoid using it in trivial situations. Alternatives like "it preyed on their minds" or "it weighed heavily on them" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it preyed on their minds

Focuses on the mental aspect of being haunted, emphasizing constant worry or fear.

it never truly left them

Emphasizes that something is always present in someone's memory.

it weighed heavily on them

Highlights the burden and emotional weight caused by something.

it lingered in their memories

Highlights the act of something persisting in someone's mind.

it caused them lasting regret

Specifies the emotion as regret and emphasizes its enduring nature.

it remained a source of anguish for them

Emphasizes the ongoing pain and suffering caused by something.

it caused them enduring pain

Focuses on pain, highlighting that it has been going on for a long time.

it left an indelible mark on them

Focuses on the permanent impact and transformation caused by an event.

it cast a long shadow over them

Emphasizes the lingering negative influence of something.

they couldn't shake it off

Shows the inability to forget something.

FAQs

What does "it haunted them" mean?

The phrase "it haunted them" means that something from the past continues to negatively affect someone's thoughts, feelings, or actions. It suggests a persistent feeling of unease, regret, or fear.

How can I use "it haunted them" in a sentence?

You can use "it haunted them" to describe the lingering effects of a traumatic event, a difficult decision, or a past mistake. For example: "The memory of the accident "it haunted them" for years."

What are some alternatives to "it haunted them"?

Some alternatives include "it preyed on their minds", "it weighed heavily on them", or "it caused them lasting regret", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it haunted them" formal or informal?

"It haunted them" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.