put a blight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put a blight" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without additional context.
It could be used in contexts discussing the act of causing damage or harm, particularly in relation to plants or crops, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The sudden frost put a blight on the entire harvest, leaving the farmers devastated."

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The 1968 fright over Czechoslovakia put a blight on economic experimentation, and the centre gained at the expense of the enterprise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I know he is going to try to talk me out of it and make out that I'm going to put a blight on my future.

Science Magazine

Most people are themselves looking for polite, interesting and lighthearted topics to discuss and a negative insertion can really put a blight on the moment, bringing to a halt any further easy talk.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the Nov. 29 episode titled "I Kissed A Girl" missed the mark so far that it puts a blight on the entire storyline.

Huffington Post

At primary school stage the number of children leaving with low levels of literacy and numeracy, which put a permanent blight on their future education and social mobility, had become a scandal.

The Guardian - Opinion

The subsequent spates of violence – including shootings and even hand grenades – have put a permanent blight on the commune's reputation, which cannot be offset by the Bohemian lifestyles of its residents.

The Guardian

(Mr. DeSanctis is asking the city to enforce existing building codes regarding abandoned properties and to put a demolition program in place that would designate the homes as blights and wipe them out).

The New York Times

Higher recruitment rates were seen in Wales and Scotland, though in the case of the Welsh and Irish, political tensions tended to "put something of a blight upon enlistment".

Wikipedia

But he said, "Putting a family in an abandoned building, ridding an area of blight, if that's not beautifying, I don't know what it is".

The New York Times - Magazine

Under the existing ordinance, the city puts vacant or decaying properties on a blight list.

The New York Times

Markus then put in a season as a writer and consulting producer for "The Larry Sanders Show," and, with Al Franken, created and wrote "Lateline," a smart stab at media satire whose network life was blighted and short.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "put a blight" consider if a more common synonym like "damage" or "harm" might be clearer and more effective for your audience. Rarity can sometimes hinder understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "put a blight" in contexts where simpler, more direct language would be more appropriate. Overusing figurative language can make your writing seem affected or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a blight" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of causing significant damage or harm to something, often with lasting negative consequences. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this construction is not very common in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science & Research

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a blight" describes causing significant harm or damage, but is relatively rare in modern English. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals the phrase is grammatically acceptable but infrequent, primarily appearing in news, encyclopedic, and wiki contexts. Alternative phrases like "damage", "harm", or "taint" may be more common and clearer. While the phrase isn't incorrect, writers should consider if more direct language might better suit their intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflict a curse

Replaces "blight" with "curse", emphasizing a supernatural or malevolent cause of misfortune.

cast a shadow

Uses a metaphor to describe a negative influence or effect on something.

place a burden

Focuses on the act of imposing a hardship or difficulty.

taint the reputation

Specifies that the harm is to someone's or something's public image.

impose a hardship

Highlights the difficulty or suffering caused by the action.

wreak havoc

Emphasizes the destructive and chaotic nature of the action.

leave a scar

Uses a metaphor to suggest a lasting negative impact or mark.

exact a toll

Implies a cost or consequence that must be paid as a result of the action.

sow discord

Suggests the creation of conflict or disagreement.

trigger a decline

Indicates that the action initiates a process of deterioration or reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "put a blight" in a sentence?

While not extremely common, "put a blight" can be used to describe something that severely damages or negatively affects something else. For example, 'The scandal "put a blight" on his career'.

What can I say instead of "put a blight"?

You can use alternatives like "damage", "harm", or "taint" depending on the context.

Is "put a blight on" more common than "put blight on"?

Yes, "put a blight on" is slightly more idiomatic than "put blight on", which sounds less natural to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "put a blight on" and "cast a shadow on"?

"Put a blight on" implies a more severe and damaging effect, while "cast a shadow on" ("cast a shadow") suggests a less direct or pervasive negative influence.