ruining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ruining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of causing damage or harm to something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site is ruining my ability to concentrate on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I had wanted to protect Mora from conceding more goals but then I realised that I risked ruining two goalkeepers' confidence on the same day so I left Mora in".

The Guardian - Sport

It summed up every negative stereotype about hardcore gamers, as Cartman and his friends became fat, greasy-haired, acne-ridden slobs as they go through the endless hours of practice necessary to defeat an awesomely powerful player who was ruining the game for everyone.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was a cause he was happy to be swept into: climate change made a perfect subplot for his grand narrative about the world of evil capitalism ruining nature.

The Guardian

Cardigans work because you can wear something underneath them, and take them off without ruining your hair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The likely answer is neither, unless the giant Unite union's bumpy negotiations with BA over cabin crew staff ends up ruining Easter air travel plans.

The Guardian - Opinion

A note inside said: "You think you are fighting Berlusconi and instead you are ruining the image of Italy and the Italians.

The Guardian

After that, you'll alienate everyone you love, have a full-scale stress attack and come dangerously close to irreparably ruining the weekend for everyone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

SFF is in the grip of its own culture war, with a group of authors suggesting that the recent success of female and non-white writers is proof that political correctness has spread its tentacles so far that it is now ruining stories that include actual tentacles.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The politicians are ruining our towns and our villages, we are being buried in corruption," says Margita Hinova, an elegantly-dressed retired accountant from Sofia's hillside Lozenets neighbourhood, overlooking the city's concrete tenements and Orthodox domes.

The Guardian

When I first stumbled upon mangrove forests as a journalist in 1992, visiting several fishing communities along the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, I noticed a common thread of problems faced by the fisherfolk: outside investors were ruining their lands and livelihoods by cutting mangroves to make way for shrimp farms, devastating their local fishery and agriculture.

The Guardian

She said she wanted them punished for ruining her life and that of her family.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ruining" to describe a process that is currently causing harm or destruction. For instance, "The rain is ruining our picnic."

Common error

While "ruining" is versatile, it can sound less formal. In formal writing, consider stronger alternatives like "destroying" or "undermining" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ruining" is as a present participle or gerund. It acts as a verb form indicating an ongoing action or a noun describing the act of causing destruction or damage, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ruining" is a versatile verb form used to describe the act of causing damage or destruction. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. When choosing between "ruining" and similar terms, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as the gradual nature of the damage or the extent of the destruction. Be original and relevant in your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destroying

Emphasizes complete obliteration or devastation.

wrecking

Suggests a violent or forceful destruction.

damaging

Highlights the act of causing harm or impairment.

spoiling

Focuses on diminishing the quality or enjoyment of something.

devastating

Implies widespread destruction and emotional distress.

sabotaging

Highlights intentional damage or obstruction.

undermining

Focuses on weakening or destabilizing something gradually.

jeopardizing

Indicates putting something at risk.

marring

Refers to superficial damage that detracts from appearance.

corrupting

Emphasizes moral or ethical decay.

FAQs

How can I use "ruining" in a sentence?

You can use "ruining" to describe something being damaged or destroyed, such as, "The scandal is "ruining his reputation"".

What are some alternatives to using "ruining"?

Alternatives include "destroying", "damaging", or "spoiling", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "ruining" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "ruining" might be considered less formal. Consider using stronger alternatives like "undermining" or "jeopardizing" for more impact.

What's the difference between "ruining" and "destroying"?

"Ruining" often implies a gradual or ongoing process of damage, whereas "destroying" suggests a more complete and immediate obliteration.