unduly affected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unduly affected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is excessively influenced or impacted in a negative way. Example: "The new regulations unduly affected small businesses, making it difficult for them to compete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

In hindsight, Ryan, a perfectionist, realized he was unduly affected.

The New York Times - Sports

But organisers are confident the course will not be unduly affected by the weather.

The Guardian - Sport

As far as he is concerned Wales's scrum will not be unduly affected.

The Guardian - Sport

In every strand of this I worry about the patients who will be unduly affected by this strike.

The Guardian

(Another contributor wonders whether the creationist idea of divine action hasn't been "unduly affected by the 'special effects' industry").

The New York Times - Books

One senior F.C.C. staffer told me that it would have unduly affected the stock prices of the telecom firms.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Molly Gordy, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Department, said city traffic studies have indicated that the closing should not unduly affect neighborhoods in the area.

The New York Times

China must reduce its dollar stash and invest its reserves without unduly affecting the prices of the assets involved, lest it destroy the value of its holdings.

The Economist

MANAGEMENT BUYOUTS: The J. Crew buyout arranged by the private equity firms TPG Capital and Leonard Green showed the problems of management participation unduly affecting the sale process.

The New York Times

She points to the Spanish unemployment crisis, where youth unemployment is around 60%, and suggests 'bridging measures' may be needed in some places, so that structural reforms can be made "without unduly affecting domestic peace".

The Guardian - Business

This involved most of the junior crew members, all of the protected species observers (here to make sure the sounds we generate do not unduly affect the marine mammals) and all of the science party except for myself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add precision, quantify the effect whenever possible: Instead of saying 'The changes unduly affected the project' specify 'The changes unduly affected the project, increasing costs by 15%.'

Common error

Avoid using "unduly affected" when a more moderate term like "slightly affected" would be more accurate. Exaggerating the impact can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unduly affected" functions as a modifier-verb construction, where "unduly" intensifies the impact of the verb "affected". This suggests that something has been impacted in a way that is considered excessive or inappropriate. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unduly affected" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe something being influenced or impacted excessively or inappropriately. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian shows that this phrase is often used in News & Media and Scientific contexts to express concern or criticism about a situation. While generally neutral, its usage implies a negative consequence that's worth noting. Alternatives such as ""excessively affected"" or ""unfairly affected"" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively affected

This alternative emphasizes a greater degree of impact or influence compared to the original phrase.

unfairly affected

This alternative highlights the unjust nature of the impact, adding an element of inequity.

disproportionately affected

This suggests the impact is out of proportion to what is reasonable or expected.

inordinately affected

Similar to "excessively affected", this alternative implies an excessive or unrestrained degree of impact.

improperly affected

This version emphasizes that the impact was not appropriate or justifiable.

unjustly affected

Similar to "unfairly affected", stressing the lack of justice in the impact.

unduly influenced

This focuses on the influence aspect of being affected, rather than a general impact.

unjustifiably affected

This alternative underscores the lack of justification for the impact.

unreasonably affected

Highlights the lack of reason or logic behind the impact.

needlessly affected

Implies the impact was unnecessary and could have been avoided.

FAQs

How can I use "unduly affected" in a sentence?

You can use "unduly affected" to describe something being excessively or inappropriately influenced by something else. For example, "The business was "unfairly affected" by the new regulations."

What are some alternatives to saying "unduly affected"?

Some alternatives include "excessively affected", "disproportionately affected", or "inordinately affected", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "unduly affected" or "unfairly affected"?

The choice depends on the context. "Unduly affected" implies an excessive or inappropriate impact, while "unfairly affected" suggests an unjust or inequitable impact. If the emphasis is on injustice, use ""unfairly affected"".

Can "unduly affected" be used in a positive context?

While rare, "unduly affected" can be used in a positive light if something is excessively or unexpectedly benefited. However, it's more commonly used in negative or neutral contexts.