ruinous substance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ruinous substance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a material or element that causes destruction or significant harm, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "The factory was found to be leaking a ruinous substance that contaminated the local water supply."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The movie is, after all, called "Suicide Squad," and if it has any substance at all it's in the ruinous and sacrificial cost of martial virtue, the question of the terrifying proximity of good and evil in combat, the thoughtful and precise direction that mighty force requires to keep it on the side of good.

The New Yorker

Ruinous friends?

The New Yorker

"And financially ruinous".

The New Yorker

The war proved ruinous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Riches without virtue are ruinous).

The Economist

Aids is economically ruinous.

The Guardian

Nyiregyhazi had ruinous managers.

The New York Times - Books

Three ruinous examples are given.

The Economist

A dozen are ruinous.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's potentially ruinous".

The New York Times

The mounting debt is ruinous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ruinous substance", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of harm or damage it causes. Be specific about the consequences to enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ruinous substance" loosely for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving significant damage, destruction, or harm to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ruinous substance" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "ruinous" modifies "substance". It describes a material or element with the capacity to inflict significant damage or destruction. While Ludwig confirms the correctness of the phrase, it's usage appears limited.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ruinous substance" is grammatically sound but lacks extensive real-world usage examples, as indicated by Ludwig. It functions as an adjective-noun combination to describe a material causing significant damage. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, its impact is maximized when used to describe substantial harm. Alternatives like ""destructive material"" or ""harmful agent"" may be considered for variety. However, users should be mindful of overusing the phrase in trivial contexts to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Destructive material

Replaces the adjective "ruinous" with "destructive" and "substance" with "material", both indicating a harmful nature.

Harmful agent

Substitutes "ruinous" with "harmful" and "substance" with "agent", focusing on the damaging aspect.

Damaging element

Uses "damaging" instead of "ruinous" and "element" instead of "substance", highlighting the detrimental effect.

Corrosive compound

Replaces "ruinous" with "corrosive" and "substance" with "compound", suggesting a gradual destructive action.

Devastating component

Emphasizes the severe impact using "devastating" instead of "ruinous" and "component" for "substance".

Detrimental matter

Uses "detrimental" instead of "ruinous" and "matter" instead of "substance", focusing on the harmful consequences.

Catastrophic ingredient

Highlights the disastrous potential with "catastrophic" instead of "ruinous" and "ingredient" for "substance".

Lethal contaminant

Emphasizes the deadly nature using "lethal" and "contaminant" to describe a harmful substance.

Noxious pollutant

Replaces "ruinous" with "noxious" and "substance" with "pollutant", suggesting a harmful and contaminating effect.

Poisonous entity

Uses "poisonous" instead of "ruinous" and "entity" for "substance", highlighting the toxic nature.

FAQs

How can I use "ruinous substance" in a sentence?

The phrase "ruinous substance" describes something that causes significant damage or harm. For example: "The factory was leaking a "ruinous substance" into the river."

What are some synonyms for "ruinous substance"?

Alternatives include "destructive material", "harmful agent", or "damaging element", depending on the specific context.

Is "ruinous substance" a formal or informal phrase?

"Ruinous substance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing something that causes substantial damage or harm. However, consider the audience and adjust the language accordingly.

What kind of things can be described as a "ruinous substance"?

A "ruinous substance" can refer to various things, such as pollutants, toxins, or any material causing severe damage to health, environment, or infrastructure. Examples might include toxic chemicals or industrial waste.