this can ruin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can ruin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to cause significant damage or negative consequences. Example: "If we don't address the issue promptly, this can ruin our chances of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Events like this can ruin vacations for all workers".

The New York Times

If you make a bunch of wrong decisions, this can ruin a career.

The Guardian - Music

Over time, this can ruin people financially.

Huffington Post

Some patients indeed feel offended about such a question, particularly those patients who have seen me for many years, and this can ruin the trust between us.

BMC Family Practice

This can ruin it.

WikiHow

This can ruin yours!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Don't invite everyone just to be nice--this can ruin the party.

WikiHow

Never scrub the cymbal as this can completely ruin the sound and looks of it.

WikiHow

Once spouses do confide in someone and that person doesn't keep it confidential, it's possible that this news can ruin the career of the active duty soldier causing more drama and abuse at home.

Huffington Post

Finding out this information can ruin relationships – not just the relationship between you and your partner, but between other family members, children, and friends.

WikiHow

This vibe can ruin an evening, and you want your guests to feel like you want them to be there, not like they're causing a huge inconvenience.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this can ruin", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity and enhancing clarity. The phrase is best used when the potential for negative impact is significant and readily apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "this can ruin" for trivial issues; it's a strong phrase best reserved for situations with genuinely detrimental consequences. Overusing it diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can ruin" functions as a clause expressing a potential negative outcome. It asserts that a specific action or situation (this) has the capacity to cause significant damage or destruction (ruin). Ludwig AI examples illustrate the phrase's use in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional careers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

48%

News & Media

34%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this can ruin" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the potential for significant negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse sources, including Wiki, News & Media and Science articles. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the potential for harm is genuinely substantial. Overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "this could spoil" or "this might jeopardize" for milder situations. Always ensure that "this" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this can damage

Offers a general term for causing harm or impairment, without specifying the extent.

this could spoil

Emphasizes a less severe negative impact, focusing on diminishing enjoyment or quality.

this may destroy

Highlights a more catastrophic outcome, implying complete devastation or obliteration.

this might jeopardize

Focuses on putting something at risk, suggesting a potential threat to success or safety.

this will wreck

Similar to destroy, but often used more informally and with a sense of sudden impact.

this could undermine

Implies a weakening or erosion of something's foundation or effectiveness.

this will compromise

Suggests a need to accept less than ideal standards. A trade-off between ideal outcomes and reality.

this may impair

Focuses on lessening or weakening of something, usually in a measurable or noticeable way.

this could sabotage

Implies intentional damage or obstruction, often secretly or unexpectedly.

this might imperil

Suggests a serious and immediate danger or hazard, creating significant exposure to risk.

FAQs

How can I use "this can ruin" in a sentence?

Use "this can ruin" to express the potential for a significant negative impact or consequence. For example, "If we miss the deadline, "this can ruin" our chances of securing the contract".

What are some alternatives to "this can ruin"?

Alternatives include "this could spoil", "this may destroy", or "this might jeopardize", depending on the severity and context of the situation.

Is it too dramatic to use "this can ruin"?

The appropriateness of "this can ruin" depends on the context. If the potential consequences are truly devastating, it's fitting. However, for minor issues, less dramatic phrases like "this could affect" are more suitable.

What's the difference between "this can ruin" and "this might damage"?

"This can ruin" implies a more complete or irreversible negative outcome, while "this might damage" suggests a lesser degree of harm. Ruin suggests something is beyond repair, whereas damage indicates it is impaired, not destroyed.