it was a scourge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a scourge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that causes great suffering or harm, often in a historical or social context. Example: "The disease was a scourge that affected millions, leaving devastation in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was a scourge from the cold war era, standing for exactly 17 years like a stubborn sliver of the Berlin Wall.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a scourge of centuries past, a disease that ravaged the body and brain, drove geniuses to madness and slowly brought its victims to a terrible death.

The New York Times

Many argued that it was a scourge on cricket and must be stamped out, while some did not see what all the fuss was about.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a scourge," she said.

The New York Times

It's a scourge on our society.

The New York Times

It is a scourge with many symptoms and causes.

The New York Times

It creates religious zealots... It's a scourge.

The Guardian - Music

Loneliness is miserable, but it is not inevitable, and it is a scourge we should overcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

During the primaries, Obama and Hillary Clinton attacked free trade as if it were a scourge at times each one accusing the other of (horror of horrors) harboring a hidden affection for the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cosatu's Zwelinzima Vavi says it's a scourge that's doing "untold damage on the moral fibre" of South Africa.

BBC

It's a scourge to the game.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "it was a scourge" to describe something historically significant that caused widespread suffering or damage. This phrase lends a tone of seriousness and gravity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a scourge" in everyday situations or for minor inconveniences. The phrase carries a weight of historical significance and is best reserved for truly impactful events or issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a scourge" functions as a statement attributing a cause of widespread devastation or suffering to a specific entity or event. The noun "scourge" acts as a predicate nominative, defining the subject "it". Ludwig AI validates this usage, as seen in examples describing historical periods and diseases.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was a scourge" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe something that caused significant harm or suffering, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not frequently used, appearing mostly in News & Media and Wiki sources, it carries a strong connotation and should be reserved for describing impactful events. Alternatives such as "it was a plague" or "it was a disaster" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Avoid using it casually.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a calamity

Changes the noun to "calamity", implying a disastrous event.

it was a disaster

Substitutes "scourge" with "disaster", focusing on the negative outcome.

it was a plague

Replaces "scourge" with "plague", emphasizing a widespread and devastating problem.

it was a curse

Uses "curse" instead of "scourge", suggesting a supernatural or malevolent influence.

it was a blight

Replaces "scourge" with "blight", often used for something that spoils or damages.

it was a bane

Substitutes "scourge" with "bane", indicating a cause of great distress or annoyance.

it was a tribulation

Replaces "scourge" with "tribulation", emphasizing a cause of suffering or distress.

it was an affliction

Substitutes "scourge" with "affliction", indicating a cause of pain or suffering.

it was a misfortune

Replaces "scourge" with "misfortune", emphasizing bad luck or adverse event.

it was a hardship

Substitutes "scourge" with "hardship", focusing on the difficulty and suffering caused.

FAQs

What does "it was a scourge" mean?

The phrase "it was a scourge" means that something caused widespread suffering, devastation, or harm. It's often used to describe historical events, diseases, or social problems that had a significantly negative impact.

What can I say instead of "it was a scourge"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a plague", "it was a disaster", or "it was a calamity" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "it was a scourge" in modern writing?

Yes, "it was a scourge" is appropriate in modern writing when referring to significant historical events or ongoing issues that cause widespread suffering. However, avoid using it for trivial matters.

What is the difference between "it was a scourge" and "it was a problem"?

"It was a problem" is a general term for something causing difficulty. "It was a scourge" implies a much more severe and widespread negative impact, often with historical or lasting consequences. The former is mild while the latter is much stronger.