pernicious phenomenon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pernicious phenomenon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a harmful or destructive occurrence or trend that has negative effects on individuals or society. Example: "The rise of misinformation on social media is a pernicious phenomenon that undermines public trust and democracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The cable networks offer constant testimony to this pernicious phenomenon.

The Washington Post

Clutter, too, is all too easily confused with hoarding, a genuinely pernicious phenomenon that often disguises profound psychological troubles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I contribute to this column against my better judgment: I've written a book, Heroes: Saviours, Traitors and Supermen, demonstrating what an irrational and pernicious phenomenon hero-worship is.

The Guardian - Books

It can however be argued that since instability tends to prevent the decision process from coming to an end, it is a more pernicious phenomenon than multi-stability and tie-stability.

SEP

The possibility of using indirect hostility to get around regulations implies that even stronger anti-bullying legislation may fall short of ending this pernicious phenomenon.

Human Relations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This simple test illustrates the common and often pernicious mental phenomenon known as anchoring.

Harvard Business Review

They expect it to help eradicate a pernicious economic phenomenon that blights its housing market and makes its tourist quarters a magnet for people with deeply embedded social problems.

The Guardian

Selfies themselves are as old as photography, but until today we thought the selfie stick was a more recent - and, for some, slightly pernicious - phenomenon.

BBC

But the pernicious weather phenomenon also had a much more pervasive, if easily overlooked, impact.

Science Magazine

Doniach, D., Roitt, I. M. & Taylor, K. B. Autoimmune phenomena in pernicious anaemia.

Nature

This phenomenon is particularly pernicious in communities facing gentrification as landlords are eager to file eviction cases on trumped up charges so they can get tenants protected by rent regulations out of their apartments and begin charging a higher, market-rate rent.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "pernicious phenomenon", ensure that the context clearly establishes the harmful or destructive nature of the phenomenon being described. Provide specific examples or details to illustrate the negative impacts.

Common error

Avoid using "pernicious phenomenon" in overly casual or informal writing. While grammatically correct, its formal tone may sound out of place in everyday conversation or light-hearted content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pernicious phenomenon" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'pernicious' modifies the noun 'phenomenon'. It serves to describe a specific occurrence or trend as being particularly harmful or destructive. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pernicious phenomenon" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that effectively describes a harmful or destructive occurrence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it appears in a range of contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. Alternatives such as "harmful trend" or "damaging occurrence" may be used depending on the desired emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports its strong negative connotation, and avoid overuse in overly casual settings. This phrase serves to underline the gravity and negative impacts of specific issues or trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detrimental trend

Replaces 'phenomenon' with 'trend' emphasizing a pattern over time, and 'pernicious' with 'detrimental', indicating harm.

harmful development

Substitutes 'pernicious' with 'harmful' which is a more common synonym, and 'phenomenon' with 'development', focusing on the process of unfolding.

damaging occurrence

Uses 'damaging' instead of 'pernicious' emphasizing the impact of the event, and 'occurrence' instead of 'phenomenon', pointing to a specific instance.

destructive pattern

Emphasizes the actively destructive nature of the trend, replacing 'pernicious' with 'destructive' and 'phenomenon' with 'pattern'.

adverse situation

Replaces 'pernicious' with 'adverse' to indicate unfavorable circumstances, and 'phenomenon' with 'situation', describing a set of conditions.

negative consequence

Focuses on the result, using 'negative consequence' instead of 'pernicious phenomenon', highlighting the outcome rather than the event itself.

unfavorable circumstance

Uses 'unfavorable' instead of 'pernicious', emphasizing a lack of advantage, and 'circumstance' instead of 'phenomenon', focusing on a specific condition.

unwholesome trend

Highlights the unhealthy or morally corrupt nature of the trend, replacing 'pernicious' with 'unwholesome' and 'phenomenon' with 'trend'.

toxic effect

Uses 'toxic' to underline the poisonous or dangerous nature, and 'effect' to focus on the result of something.

corrosive influence

Focuses on the gradual and damaging impact, replacing 'pernicious' with 'corrosive' and 'phenomenon' with 'influence'.

FAQs

How can I use "pernicious phenomenon" in a sentence?

You can use "pernicious phenomenon" to describe something harmful. For example, "The spread of misinformation is a "pernicious phenomenon"." Ensure that the context supports the strong negative connotation.

What are some alternatives to "pernicious phenomenon"?

Alternatives include "harmful trend", "damaging occurrence", or "detrimental development". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "pernicious phenomenon" in academic writing?

Yes, "pernicious phenomenon" is suitable for academic writing when describing significantly harmful or destructive occurrences. Its formal tone aligns well with the register of academic discourse.

What distinguishes "pernicious phenomenon" from a simple "problem"?

"Pernicious phenomenon" implies a more deeply rooted and actively harmful issue than a general "problem". It suggests something that is not only problematic but also actively working to cause damage or decay.