put a stain

USAGE SUMMARY

"put a stain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to apply or cause a mark or blemish on something, typically through the use of a substance such as paint, ink, or food. Example: She accidentally put a stain on her favorite dress when she spilled red wine on it at the dinner party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Is this something we think is going to put a stain on Philadelphia?

The New York Times

The prison camp put a stain on this country's global reputation as a defender of human rights.

The New York Times

Mr. Levitt has repeatedly said that by "feeding" information to analysts before the rest of the investing public, some corporations have put "a stain on our markets".

The New York Times

The Planned Parenthood flap threatened to put a stain on the Komen foundation's reputation, and on its signature pink ribbon logo.

The New York Times

He said being accused of homophobia would put a "stain" on a person's character and lower them in society's eyes.

BBC

Not correcting it would have put a stain on the festival for years to come.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

(Never put a stained fabric in a dryer. The heat from the dryer can set the stain).

WikiHow

"It puts a stain on the Jewish community".

The New York Times

And the taunting, schoolyard-bully atmosphere winds up putting a stain on the highest office in the land.

The Washington Post

He also apologized to the South Korean people and to Ms. Park for causing "trouble" and putting a "stain in the successful summit".

The New York Times

Spray lemon juice onto the stain before you put a commercial stain spray or stain stick on the area.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put a stain" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly conveys the negative impact or lasting damage being described. For example, "The scandal put a stain on his political career."

Common error

Avoid using "put a stain" when a simpler, more direct verb like "stain" is appropriate. Saying "He put a stain on the shirt" is less natural than "He stained the shirt."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a stain" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It typically involves an action (putting) that results in a negative consequence (a stain) on something else. Ludwig confirms this usage with examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a stain" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. Although not overly common, it effectively conveys the idea of negatively impacting something's reputation or integrity. Its usage spans across neutral and professional registers, primarily appearing in news and media, wiki, and scientific sources. While "put a stain" is valid, consider direct verbs like "stain" when appropriate. To avoid overuse or awkward phrasing, consider using alternative phrases like "tarnish the reputation" or "blemish the image" for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave a mark

Focuses on the act of leaving a lasting impression, which can be negative like a stain.

tarnish the reputation

Specifically refers to damaging someone's or something's reputation.

blemish the image

Highlights the act of impairing a positive image or perception.

cast a shadow

Implies a negative influence or effect that darkens or mars something.

disgrace

Suggests bringing dishonor or shame upon someone or something.

smear the name

Emphasizes the act of damaging someone's name or reputation maliciously.

damage the integrity

Focuses on the impairment of honesty and moral principles.

compromise

Highlights the act of weakening or endangering something.

impair

Focuses on diminishing or weakening something's quality or value.

taint

Implies contaminating or spoiling something, often morally.

FAQs

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

You can use "put a stain" to describe damaging someone's reputation or integrity, as in, "The accusations "put a stain" on his previously spotless record."

What does it mean when something "puts a stain" on something else?

When something "puts a stain" on something else, it means that it negatively impacts or blemishes the reputation, integrity, or image of that thing. It implies a lasting negative effect.

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

You can use alternatives like "tarnish the reputation", "blemish the image", or "leave a mark" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "put a stain" formal or informal language?

"Put a stain" is generally considered neutral language, suitable for both news reporting and general conversation. However, be mindful of the context and audience.