scarred by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarred by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has been emotionally or physically affected by a traumatic experience. Example: "She was scarred by the loss of her loved one, which took a long time for her to heal from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sapphire scarred by a scratch.

The New York Times

All of us feel scarred by it.

Independent

I was scarred by sprouts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All were scarred by him.

The Guardian

In the end you're scarred by it.

The Guardian

They are scarred by recent attempts.

The Guardian - Sport

Banks, scarred by the crisis, are reluctant to lend.

The Economist

Yangon sidewalks are scarred by deep and treacherous crevices.

The New York Times

Many remain wrecked, or scarred by bullets and shells.

The Economist

The district itself has been heavily scarred by the fighting.

The New York Times

I am speaking as someone really psychologically scarred by this".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to convey a permanent negative impact, consider using "scarred by" to imply that there are residual effects that will persist far into the future.

Common error

Avoid using "scarred by" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase is more appropriate for situations involving significant trauma or long-lasting negative consequences, not for things like "being scarred by a bad haircut".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarred by" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it has been negatively and permanently affected by something. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe individuals, communities, and even abstract concepts that have undergone significant trauma or hardship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scarred by" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe lasting negative impacts from significant traumas or hardships. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. To reiterate the above, the phrase conveys a sense of lasting damage, both emotional and physical, and should be used carefully to avoid trivializing serious issues. Remember, while alternatives like "marked by" or "affected by" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traumatized by

Specifically refers to a deep emotional or psychological wound caused by a distressing experience.

marked by

Focuses on the presence of lasting signs or effects, often less intense than a scar.

damaged by

Implies physical or emotional harm resulting from an external force or event.

affected by

A more general term indicating influence or impact, without necessarily implying damage.

wounded by

Conveys a sense of injury, either physical or emotional, resulting from an action or event.

haunted by

Suggests a persistent and unsettling memory or feeling that lingers long after the event.

impacted by

Similar to "affected by", but often used in a more formal or technical context.

tainted by

Indicates that something has been corrupted or diminished in quality by an undesirable element.

burdened by

Implies being weighed down or oppressed by something, often a responsibility or hardship.

etched by

Suggests something has left a permanent and clearly visible mark or impression.

FAQs

What does "scarred by" mean?

To be "scarred by" something means to be deeply and permanently affected, either emotionally or physically, by a traumatic experience. It implies a lasting negative impact.

How can I use "scarred by" in a sentence?

You can use "scarred by" to describe individuals, communities, or even abstract concepts. For example: "He was "traumatized by" the war", or "The economy was "damaged by" the financial crisis".

What are some alternatives to "scarred by"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "marked by", "affected by", ""traumatized by"", or "haunted by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "scarred by" in a formal setting?

Yes, it's appropriate as long as the context warrants it. "Scarred by" is suitable for describing serious or significant impacts, regardless of the setting. However, avoid using it for trivial matters.