tainted by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tainted by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something has been negatively influenced by something else. For example: "The company's reputation was tainted by the scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neither is tainted by corruption.

The Economist

Consequently, their philosophies were tainted by "subjectivism".

Encyclopedia Britannica

His government was tainted by corruption.

The Economist

They have not been tainted by groupthink.

The New York Times

Mr Gandhi's coalition is tainted by corruption.

The Economist

You feel tainted by hearing it".

The Guardian

Would Giggs be tainted by association?

The Guardian - Sport

And everyone is tainted by it.

The Guardian

We are all tainted by it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Both parties will be tainted by the mess.

The Economist

Certainly, Grant's administration was tainted by oft-remembered corruption scandals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tainted by" when you want to emphasize a negative influence that has damaged or spoiled something's reputation, purity, or integrity. Be mindful of the strong negative connotation it carries.

Common error

Avoid using "tainted by" when a more neutral term like "influenced by" or "affected by" would be more appropriate. "Tainted by" implies a significant negative impact, so ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tainted by" functions as a post-positive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it has been negatively affected or damaged by something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tainted by" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something has been negatively affected or damaged. According to Ludwig AI, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts. While "tainted by" is generally neutral, leaning towards formal it’s important to ensure that the context warrants such a strong term and be mindful of the strong negative connotation it carries. Alternatives such as "affected by", "marred by", and "compromised by" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sullied by

This phrase emphasizes a loss of reputation or purity, closely related to the idea of being "tainted".

corrupted by

This phrase indicates a loss of purity or integrity, similar to the negative impact of "tainted".

stained by

This implies a lasting mark or blemish, similar to the enduring negative effect of being "tainted".

marred by

This phrase suggests that something has been damaged or spoiled, similar to "tainted".

discredited by

This phrase suggests a loss of credibility or reputation, a consequence of being "tainted".

blemished by

This implies a flaw or imperfection, aligning with the idea of being negatively affected.

compromised by

Indicates that something has been weakened or made vulnerable, sharing the negative implications of "tainted".

affected by

This alternative is a more general term for being influenced, but lacks the negative connotation of "tainted".

damaged by

This suggests harm or injury, conveying a similar negative impact.

influenced by

Similar to "affected by", this term is broader and doesn't necessarily imply a negative impact.

FAQs

What does "tainted by" mean?

"Tainted by" means that something has been negatively affected or damaged, often in terms of reputation or purity, by something else. It suggests a loss of integrity or a spoiled quality.

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

You can use "tainted by" to describe situations where something has been negatively influenced. For example, "The politician's reputation was tainted by the scandal."

What can I say instead of "tainted by"?

You can use alternatives like "affected by", "marred by", or "compromised by" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "tainted by" and "influenced by"?

Yes, "influenced by" is a more neutral term, while "tainted by" suggests a negative or damaging impact. "Influenced by" simply means something has had an effect, whereas "tainted by" implies a loss of purity or integrity.