put a curse on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put a curse on" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to place or invoke a spell or hex on someone. It is typically used in a figurative sense to express a strong feeling of dislike or animosity towards someone. Example: "The witch put a curse on the villagers, causing their crops to wilt and their livestock to fall ill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This one features an evil troll queen who has put a curse on the prince and turned him into a bear, and a glass mountain that the heroine has to climb.

The Guardian

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "put a curse on" when you want to express the act of invoking negative supernatural influence or when describing a situation where someone attributes their misfortune to a curse.

Common error

Avoid using "put a curse on" literally unless discussing fictional or mythical contexts. Overusing it in everyday situations can sound overly dramatic or superstitious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a curse on" typically functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of inflicting or attempting to inflict misfortune upon someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put a curse on" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of inflicting misfortune, often through supernatural means. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its usage can vary depending on the specific context, becoming more formal when discussing mythology or folklore, and less so in informal settings. Alternative phrases like "cast a spell on" or "hex someone" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cast a spell on

Implies a magical influence, more directly suggesting supernatural intervention.

lay a hex on

Similar to "cast a spell", implying a more direct magical effect.

hex someone

A more informal term, emphasizing a jinx or bad luck.

inflict a hex

Similar to "hex someone" but uses a more formal verb.

jinx someone

Focuses on bringing bad luck, often unintentionally or playfully.

hex

Implies a magical influence, more directly suggesting supernatural intervention.

doom someone

Suggests a predetermined, negative fate, often more severe.

afflict with misfortune

A more formal and general way of saying someone is experiencing bad luck.

bring bad luck upon

Highlights the act of causing misfortune, rather than a supernatural element.

ill-wish

Expressing a desire that bad things happen to someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "put a curse on" to describe someone casting a spell, or figuratively when someone believes they are experiencing bad luck due to another's actions. For example, "The witch "put a curse on" the prince."

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

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

Is it correct to say "placed a curse on" instead of "put a curse on"?

Yes, "placed a curse on" is a valid alternative, although "put a curse on" is more common and idiomatic.

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

"Put a curse on" describes the action of someone applying a curse, while "be cursed" describes the state of being affected by a curse.