on a blindfold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a blindfold" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct expression is "blindfolded," which refers to being unable to see due to a blindfold being worn. Example: "He was blindfolded during the game to make it more challenging."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

After a half-hour of doing that, I realized it would have been easier to put on a blindfold and pick the brown skin off hazelnuts with tweezers.

The New York Times - Arts

Gayle Newland, 25, of Willaston, Cheshire, disguised her appearance and voice, and persuaded the woman to put on a blindfold when they met up.

The Guardian

AT A Montreal business conference last week called C2MTL, participants were encouraged to put on a blindfold, slip into a dry pool filled with plastic balls, and, over loudish dance music, seek solutions with strangers to challenges ranging from cutting youth unemployment to making business ventures involving sex more respectable.

The Economist

In the catalogue, historian John Guy argues that Delaroche based his scene on an un­reliable source that tells of Queen Jane walking calmly to the block, speaking her last words, saying a psalm, putting on a blindfold and then panicking, asking where the block was and stumbling helplessly.

The Guardian - Arts

"At best, new couples take a back-of-the-envelope approach to personal finances, and most put on a blindfold and just cross their fingers".

Forbes

To imagine a limitation in this case would require that God could know the future decisions of free creatures, but chooses instead to put on a blindfold, so to speak.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A packing checklist is divided into things to store in the suitcase (such essentials as shoes, socks and a corkscrew) and things to carry on (tickets, passport and a blindfold for sleeping on the plane).

The New York Times - Travel

The key to sleeping on planes is a blindfold and earplugs, which create the sense of being in a cocoon, cut off from the rest of the world.

Harvard Business Review

There was no machine I could set up to throw me that simulated nasty curveball; I had to learn to approach this one with no bat and with a blindfold on.

The New York Times

Yes, a tiny Israeli soldier who has to step on a rock just to tie a blindfold on a prisoner is funny.

Huffington Post

She puts one of them, Daryl Hannah, on the cover wearing a blindfold, with the line "Blonde Ambition".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blindfolded" or "with a blindfold" instead of "on a blindfold" for grammatically correct sentences. For example, instead of saying "He played the game "on a blindfold"", say "He played the game blindfolded" or "He played the game with a blindfold".

Common error

Avoid using the preposition "on" when describing the state of being blindfolded. The correct preposition to use is "with", or avoid a preposition altogether by using the adjective "blindfolded".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a blindfold" functions as a prepositional phrase, but it's grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates that the correct expression is "blindfolded" or "with a blindfold". The phrase attempts to describe a state or condition, but fails due to improper preposition usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "on a blindfold" appears in various sources, including reputable ones like The New York Times and The Guardian, Ludwig AI points out that it is grammatically incorrect. The correct ways to express this concept are "blindfolded" or "with a blindfold". The phrase is used to describe the state of having one's vision obscured, but the incorrect preposition usage undermines its effectiveness. For clear and grammatically sound writing, stick to the recommended alternatives. It is relatively uncommon but its usage highlights the importance of proofreading, even when writing for informal contexts. Although the expression can be found in news, science and wiki the correct usage are "blindfolded" or "with a blindfold".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blindfolded

Directly describes the state of having a blindfold covering the eyes.

with a blindfold

Specifies the use of a blindfold as an instrument or accessory.

wearing a blindfold

Highlights the action of having a blindfold on.

unable to see

Focuses on the consequence of being blindfolded.

without sight

Emphasizes the absence of vision.

visually impaired

Describes a condition of reduced vision, which could be temporary or permanent.

obstructed vision

Highlights that vision is hindered or blocked.

eyes covered

A simple way to state that the eyes are not visible.

sightless

A more evocative adjective to describe someone without sight.

in the dark

Metaphorically describes a lack of understanding or awareness.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say someone is wearing a blindfold?

The correct ways to describe someone wearing a blindfold are either "blindfolded" or "with a blindfold". Saying someone is "on a blindfold" is grammatically incorrect.

What does it mean to be "blindfolded"?

Being "blindfolded" means that your eyes are covered, typically with a piece of cloth, so that you cannot see. It's often used in games or as a form of restraint.

Are there situations where "on a blindfold" might be correct?

While generally incorrect, you might use "on a blindfold" in very specific, unusual contexts, such as describing a pattern or design physically printed on "a blindfold". However, this is rare, and "with a blindfold" or "blindfolded" is almost always preferable.

What can I say instead of "put on a blindfold"?

The correct phrase is simply "put on "a blindfold"" to describe the action of covering someone's eyes with one.