she is abusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she is abusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's harmful or aggressive behavior towards others, typically in the context of relationships or interactions. Example: "After years of enduring her harsh words and actions, I finally realized that she is abusive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"She is abusive to our people.

The New York Times

"I don't like the way mom talks to me, she is abusive".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She's gone now, but she was abusive.

The New Yorker

When she was state treasurer in the early '90s, her employees complained that she was abusive, and today Matt Mackowiak, who resigned last April as the senator's press secretary, admits that she can be "somewhat needy and demanding".

The New York Times - Magazine

U.N. Official Facing Ouster With the Iraq voting near, the head of the United Nations elections agency expects to receive a dismissal notice after a review found she was abusive and condoned sexual innuendo.

The New York Times

She was abusive and out of control.

Los Angeles Times

The court heard that, while traveling back from another game, she was abusive towards members of the British Transport Police, and was arrested at a home game previously for racially abusing a steward.

Vice

If she's abusive she'll defend herself without considering your concerns and then respond by blogging the conversation itself as if you attacked her without provocation.

WikiHow

At the Hollywood studio of one of her producers, she's attempting to talk about "Change," a song in which a woman desperately makes excuses for the boyfriend she knows is abusive.

Los Angeles Times

Until [spoiler alert, you four people] we get to the point where it is abusive and she walks away".

The Guardian - Film

The baby's father is abusive and she has a temporary restraining order on him.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "she is abusive", ensure you have clear examples or evidence to support the claim, as it is a serious accusation. Consider the specific context and type of abuse (emotional, verbal, physical) to provide a more accurate description.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "she is abusive" as a general descriptor without providing concrete examples of the behavior. This can weaken your argument and make it seem like an unsubstantiated accusation. Instead, describe specific actions or patterns of behavior that demonstrate the abusive nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she is abusive" functions as a predicative adjective, describing the subject 'she' and attributing the quality of being abusive to her. This usage aligns with Ludwig's indication that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples from Ludwig show various contexts where this phrase is employed to characterize someone's behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she is abusive" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, though its use requires careful consideration due to the seriousness of the accusation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's crucial to support such a claim with concrete examples of abusive behavior. The phrase functions as a predicative adjective, labeling an individual's character or actions as harmful. While the phrase can be found in news articles, personal stories, and online discussions, its register is generally neutral to informal. When employing "she is abusive", remember to avoid generalizations and focus on specific instances of behavior. Understanding the context and potential impact of this phrase is essential for clear and responsible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she is tyrannical

Replaces 'abusive' with a word implying oppressive and unjust rule or power.

she is overbearing

Uses 'overbearing' to suggest a dominating and forceful personality.

she is maltreating

Replaces 'abusive' with a verb describing the act of treating someone badly or unfairly.

she is cruel

Replaces 'abusive' with an adjective highlighting the ruthless and pitiless nature of her behavior.

she is a bully

Uses a noun to directly label her as someone who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate.

she is harassing

Replaces 'abusive' with a verb indicating persistent and unwanted torment or aggression.

she is mistreating

Similar to maltreating, this emphasizes the incorrect and unjust nature of her treatment.

she is a tormentor

Emphasizes the role as one who inflicts severe mental or physical suffering.

she is oppressive

Implies the use of power to unjustly control or dominate others.

she is vindictive

Replaces 'abusive' with a term indicating a strong desire for revenge.

FAQs

What are some signs that someone is abusive?

Signs of abusive behavior can include controlling behavior, verbal insults, threats, intimidation, physical violence, and emotional manipulation. These behaviors aim to exert power and control over another person.

What can I say instead of "she is abusive" to soften the statement?

You can use alternatives like "she is harmful", "she is controlling", or "she is manipulative" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "she is abusive" and "she abuses people"?

While both phrases convey similar meanings, "she is abusive" describes her inherent character or nature, while "she abuses people" focuses on her actions. The former is a general description, while the latter is a statement about her behavior towards others.

Can "she is abusive" apply to non-physical forms of abuse?

Yes, the phrase "she is abusive" can certainly apply to emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, not just physical abuse. These forms of abuse can be just as damaging and harmful.