scourge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scourge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that causes great suffering or harm, often in a metaphorical sense, such as a social issue or a disease. Example: "The scourge of poverty continues to affect millions around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once again, while myopic politicians preach tired sermons pioneered by President Richard Nixon about defeating the scourge of narcotics, there is a safer and more sensible alternative if only they displayed a little courage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then there is the Daily Mail, scourge of the Leveson process for its supposed threat to freedom of the press.

The Guardian

Abolishing a jobs tax on employing young people under 21 will make a real difference and help tackle the scourge of youth unemployment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Understanding that it affects rich and poor, successful and not so successful, men and women, old and young also helps you to comprehend: this is a universal scourge.

The Guardian - Opinion

The scourge of modern medicine is fragmentation, over-investigation, poly pharmacy and repeated hospital admissions.

The Guardian

"But for all of us, we must be asking ourselves now about our culture, about our attitudes and what can we do as neighbours and family and friends, what can each one of us do about this appalling scourge in our society.

The Guardian

Farage, that scourge of the metropolitan elite, could not be reached because he was lunching at the Ivy – and was said to be "only on his first bottle".

The Guardian - Opinion

Little wonder that most celebrated legendary figure of them all, the scourge of the Sheriff of Nottingham and the leader of Sherwood Forest's Merry Men, was called Robin".

The Guardian

Even our great capital isn't immune from the terror scourge of the cycle psychos.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But one of the biggest cheers of the day was for Raheel Sharif, the army chief who has developed a reputation as a scourge of militancy, having bounced Pakistan's unwilling government into launching a major military operation last June against Taliban sanctuaries in North Waziristan, a long-festering trouble spot bordering Afghanistan.

The Guardian

Cricket lovers have a right to feel the same way about the scourge of the two-Test series.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scourge", ensure the context clearly indicates the severe and widespread nature of the problem you're describing. It's most effective when applied to issues with significant negative consequences for a large number of people or entities.

Common error

Avoid using "scourge" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday problems. This dilutes the term's impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for genuinely devastating or pervasive issues.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scourge" is that of a noun, often used to describe something that causes widespread suffering or devastation. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it frequently appears as the subject or object of a sentence, emphasizing the severe impact of the entity it describes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scourge" is a noun used to describe something that causes widespread suffering or devastation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal contexts such as news and media. To avoid misuse, remember to use "scourge" only when describing serious, widespread problems, and consider alternatives like "plague" or "bane" to tailor your message more precisely. With its frequent use in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, mastering the usage of "scourge" can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bane

A classic substitute for "scourge", referring to a source of persistent annoyance or trouble.

curse

This term describes a cause of great suffering or misfortune, similar to the painful consequences associated with a "scourge".

plague

This alternative denotes a widespread disease or affliction, similar to the destructive nature of a "scourge" but specifically related to illness.

blight

This refers to something that spoils, damages, or destroys, akin to the destructive impact of a "scourge" on a specific area or aspect.

menace

This term emphasizes the threatening and dangerous aspect of something, akin to the fear and harm caused by a "scourge".

calamity

This highlights a disastrous event or situation, emphasizing the severe and unfortunate consequences, similar to the destructive impact of a "scourge".

pestilence

This implies a deadly epidemic disease, drawing on a more medical-specific connotation compared to the broader meaning of "scourge".

affliction

While "affliction" signifies suffering or distress, it is less intense compared to "scourge" which also implies widespread devastation.

epidemic

This highlights a widespread occurrence of a disease or undesirable phenomenon, which can mirror the pervasiveness of a "scourge".

torment

This term suggests severe physical or mental suffering, underscoring the aspect of anguish and pain that can be linked to a "scourge".

FAQs

How can I use "scourge" in a sentence?

You can use "scourge" to describe something that causes widespread harm or suffering, such as "Corruption is the "scourge" of many developing nations".

What are some alternatives to the word "scourge"?

Some alternatives to "scourge" include "plague", "bane", "calamity", or "affliction", depending on the specific context.

Is "scourge" a formal or informal word?

"Scourge" is generally considered a formal word and is often used in serious or academic writing to describe significant problems or issues.

What's the difference between "scourge" and "problem"?

"Scourge" implies a much greater level of harm and widespread suffering than "problem". A "problem" may be localized or manageable, while a "scourge" suggests a pervasive and destructive force.