plagued by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plagued by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is suffering from or constantly troubled by a particular problem or issue. Example: "The town was plagued by frequent power outages, causing frustration among its residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Legislature plagued by corruption.

The New York Times

The partnership has been plagued by infighting.

The New York Times

They are rarely plagued by self-doubt.

The New York Times

He is still plagued by insecurities.

Independent

It has been plagued by scandals.

The Economist

He was long plagued by drugs.

The New York Times - Sports

He is plagued by bloody nightmares.

The New York Times

The award is plagued by different issues.

The New York Times

Taylor, plagued by controversy, grew ill.

The New Yorker

His leadership has been plagued by missteps.

The Economist

Sanchez continues to be plagued by giveaways.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plagued by" to vividly describe persistent problems or difficulties affecting a subject. It adds a stronger sense of negativity than simpler alternatives like "affected by."

Common error

Avoid using "plagued by" in overly casual or lighthearted situations. Its strong negative connotation may be inappropriate or sound overly dramatic. Consider using a milder term like "affected by" or "experiencing" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plagued by" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or noun phrase. It indicates that the subject is persistently troubled or afflicted by something negative. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage, confirming its consistent function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plagued by" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something or someone experiencing persistent and troublesome issues. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, most notably in News & Media and Scientific domains. While it is appropriate for formal writing, avoid overuse in lighthearted contexts. Alternatives like "afflicted by" or "troubled by" can be used for similar but slightly less intense meanings. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to vividly convey the negative impact and recurring nature of the problem at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afflicted by

Focuses more on the suffering caused by the affliction.

troubled by

Suggests a state of worry or disturbance caused by something.

beset by

Implies being persistently attacked or harassed by something.

bedeviled by

Implies being vexed or tormented by something.

burdened with

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty caused by something.

dogged by

Suggests being persistently followed or haunted by something.

besieged by

Implies being surrounded and overwhelmed by something.

saddled with

Focuses on the responsibility and encumbrance caused by something.

overrun by

Suggests being invaded or dominated by something.

hampered by

Indicates that something is being hindered or impeded by something.

FAQs

How can I use "plagued by" in a sentence?

Use "plagued by" to describe something or someone experiencing recurring or persistent problems. For example, "The project was "plagued by" delays and technical issues."

What are some alternatives to "plagued by"?

You can use alternatives like "afflicted by", "troubled by", or "beset by" to express a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "plagued by" in formal writing?

Yes, "plagued by" is suitable for formal writing when you want to emphasize the severity and persistence of a problem. It is commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and business documents.

What is the difference between "plagued by" and "affected by"?

"Plagued by" implies a more severe and persistent problem than "affected by". While "affected by" simply indicates influence, "plagued by" suggests a recurring and troublesome issue.