it is contaminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is contaminated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has been made impure or unclean, often in a scientific or health-related context. Example: "The water supply has been tested, and it is contaminated with harmful bacteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Some groundwater is poorly managed due to its invisible nature and it usually takes a long time to notice when it has become polluted and once it is contaminated, its quality cannot be restored by just stopping the pollutants from source, because contamination may continue after the source has been stopped or removed [17, 18].

Chemistry Central Journal

The offending newspaper is held up by its edges as though it is contaminated, while the President and his men wryly note that the zealous Baker coterie has been "tiptoeing through the tulips" again to promote the boss.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is not appropriate to refer to the HDE as "contaminated" with LPS, similar to how one would not say it is contaminated with cockroach allergens.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Most of it is contaminated.

The Guardian

The poorest still eat locally produced food, knowing it is contaminated.

The Guardian

Do not run the HVAC system if you suspect it is contaminated.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Dig up your rubbish, it is contaminating our soil," another said.

The New York Times

They are so used to discriminating that it is contaminating everything they do".

The Guardian

"It is contaminating our food crops," he said.

Huffington Post

It doesn't work, once it's contaminated its contaminated".

BMC Health Services Research

"It just means it's contaminated".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is contaminated", clearly specify the contaminant to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, "the water is contaminated with lead" is more informative than simply "it is contaminated".

Common error

Avoid using "it is contaminated" without identifying the specific contaminant. This can lead to confusion and may not provide enough information for effective action or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is contaminated" primarily functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a subject has been rendered impure or unsafe due to the presence of unwanted elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is contaminated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something has been made impure or unsafe. Ludwig confirms its correctness. It appears most often in news and scientific contexts, where precision and clarity are essential. While the phrase is versatile, remember to specify the contaminant for greater clarity. Alternatives like "it is polluted" or "it is tainted" may be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is tainted

This suggests a negative impact on quality or integrity.

it is polluted

This often refers to environmental contamination.

it is adulterated

This usually refers to food or substances that have been made impure.

it is infected

This implies the presence of harmful microorganisms.

it is defiled

This suggests a moral or spiritual impurity.

it is impure

This indicates a lack of purity or cleanliness.

it is unsterile

This specifically refers to a lack of sterility, often in a medical context.

it is unhealthy

Implies something is detrimental to health.

it is unsanitary

Implies something is not hygienic.

it carries contaminants

Focuses on the presence of contaminants as the defining characteristic.

FAQs

What does "it is contaminated" mean?

The phrase "it is contaminated" means that something has been made impure or unclean by the presence of unwanted or harmful substances.

What can I say instead of "it is contaminated"?

You can use alternatives like "it is polluted", "it is tainted", or "it is adulterated" depending on the context.

How is "it is contaminated" used in scientific contexts?

In scientific contexts, "it is contaminated" is used to describe samples or environments that have been exposed to unwanted substances, such as bacteria, chemicals, or radiation.

Which is correct, "it is contaminated" or "it is polluting"?

While both describe unwanted substances, "it is contaminated" indicates a state of being impure, whereas "it is polluting" describes an action of making something impure. The correct phrase depends on the intended meaning.