put a curse

USAGE SUMMARY

"put a curse" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to cast or invoke a curse upon someone or something. Example: The wicked witch put a curse on the princess, causing her to fall into a deep sleep.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I put a curse on my enemy.

The New York Times - Books

Has she put a curse on him?

The Guardian - Books

They don't want to put a curse on the patient.

The Guardian - Opinion

then became a fugitive because his brother's innocent blood put a curse on him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her father didn't approve of him and put a curse on her.

The New Yorker

I thought he might want to put a curse on me".

The New York Times

He looked as if she had put a curse on him.

The New Yorker

At first Zeus refused and Demeter put a curse on the earth, making it barren.

Independent

But if Marks had put a curse on him, it certainly hadn't affected his business.

The Guardian

"I put a curse on all no say Wash Square," she said.

The New Yorker

"Put a curse on you/May all your children end up junkies, too," he rhymed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, use "put a curse" to add a sense of old-world mystique or intentional malice, especially when describing actions of witches, deities, or scorned individuals.

Common error

Avoid overusing "put a curse" in contexts where simpler terms like "blame" or "cause" would be more appropriate. Not every misfortune is the result of a literal curse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a curse" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of inflicting harm or misfortune on someone or something, often through supernatural means. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put a curse" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of inflicting misfortune, often through supernatural means. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is perfectly valid. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its widespread use in describing situations where curses are believed to be enacted or threatened. While there are more formal alternatives like "bring misfortune upon", "put a curse" maintains a sense of directness and intentionality. Remember to use "put a curse" when wishing to convey a sense of deliberate malice or magical influence. Consider this insight when choosing your words, and avoid overuse in scenarios where other alternatives are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curse

Acts as a shorter and more direct variation of the phrase.

place a curse on

A more formal alternative to "put a curse" with a slightly more emphatic tone.

invoke a malediction

A more formal and archaic way to express putting a curse.

cast a spell on

Focuses on the magical aspect of influencing someone, rather than necessarily causing harm.

lay a hex on

More emphatic version of "hex", implying intention.

hex

A simpler, more direct term implying magical harm, often short-lived.

bring misfortune upon

A more general and less mystical way of saying causing bad luck.

jinx

Implies a lighter, less serious form of bad luck or misfortune.

doom

Implies a more severe and inevitable negative fate.

afflict

Focuses more on the suffering caused, rather than the act of cursing.

FAQs

How to use "put a curse" in a sentence?

You can use "put a curse" to describe someone inflicting misfortune, such as: "The witch threatened to put a curse on anyone who defied her."

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

You can use alternatives like "cast a spell on", "jinx", or "invoke a malediction" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "put a curse" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "put a curse" might be too informal or sensational for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "bring misfortune upon" for a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "curse" and "put a curse"?

"Curse" is a general term for wishing harm, while "put a curse" specifies the action of inflicting that harm. The difference is subtle but "put a curse" emphasizes the active implementation.