it undermines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it undermines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something weakens or diminishes the effectiveness, authority, or value of another thing. Example: "The new policy it undermines the trust that employees have in management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not if it undermines its own Ariane launcher.

BBC

It undermines every landscape in its path.

Huffington Post

It undermines morale.

Independent

It undermines good governance".

The New York Times

It undermines their credibility.

The New York Times

It undermines national morale.

Independent

It undermines the tax code".

The New York Times

Furthermore, it undermines U.S. credibility.

The New York Times

It undermines the love.

The New York Times

It undermines it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It undermines both, in many instances".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it undermines" when you want to emphasize that something is actively weakening or diminishing another thing's effectiveness, value, or authority. Be specific about what is being undermined and what the consequences are.

Common error

Avoid using "it undermines" in vague or overly general contexts. Always specify what the subject is undermining and the specific negative impact. For example, instead of saying "it undermines things", be precise: "the policy undermines employee morale" or "the regulation undermines economic growth".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it undermines" functions as a verb phrase where "it" acts as the subject, and "undermines" is the verb indicating the action of weakening or diminishing something. This aligns with Ludwig examples, which showcase its use in describing the negative impact on a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it undermines" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something weakens or diminishes another thing. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to indicate a negative impact, often in the context of policies, actions, or events affecting trust, credibility, or effectiveness. While versatile, it's best used with specific details to avoid vagueness. The phrase is frequent in news and media sources, as well as business communications, making it suitable for neutral and professional contexts. Alternatives like "it weakens" or "it diminishes" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it weakens

Replaces "undermines" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of making something weaker.

it diminishes

Similar to "weakens", but emphasizes a reduction in size, importance, or quality.

it erodes

Suggests a gradual weakening or destruction, often over a long period.

it compromises

Highlights the act of impairing or weakening something, often in the context of principles or standards.

it impairs

Focuses on the reduction in function or ability caused by something.

it threatens

Implies a potential future weakening or harm, rather than a current state.

it jeopardizes

Emphasizes the risk or danger of something being weakened or lost.

it destabilizes

Indicates the creation of instability or imbalance as a result of something.

it subverts

Suggests an attempt to overthrow or undermine something established, like a system or authority.

it corrodes

Implies a gradual and destructive weakening, often through moral or ethical decay.

FAQs

How can I use "it undermines" in a sentence?

The phrase "it undermines" is used to express that something weakens or diminishes the effectiveness, authority, or value of something else. For example, "The lack of transparency "it undermines" public trust" or "The new regulations "it undermines" small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "it undermines"?

Alternatives to "it undermines" include "it weakens", "it diminishes", "it erodes", "it compromises", or "it impairs". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it undermines to"?

No, the correct usage is "it undermines". The verb "undermine" directly takes an object. For instance, "it undermines trust" is correct, while "it undermines to trust" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "it undermines" and "it supports"?

"It undermines" means to weaken or diminish something, while "it supports" means to strengthen or uphold something. They are antonyms, expressing opposite effects.