was marred with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was marred with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation that has some negative elements that diminish its overall quality. For example, "The ceremony was marred with some unexpected disruptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It, too, was marred with ash: a ragged, discolored splotch that extended past the break line.

The New Yorker

They were here, but the green palette was marred with rusty brown blotches of death.

The New York Times - Sports

Lamar performed his song "Alright" from the top of a police car that was marred with graffiti.

The Washington Post

According to Dutch newspapers, Hanny's early life was marred, with eerie coincidence, by the murder of her mother.

The Guardian - Books

But the near-spotless record was marred with the collapse of MF Global, the firm run by Jon S. Corzine, the former governor of New Jersey.

The New York Times

"The electoral process was marred with avoidable administrative and logistical failures," the European Union's election observer team said in a statement on Sunday, adding that the failures had led to "an unacceptable number of Ugandan citizens being disenfranchised".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"An election that has been marred with lots of bribery and intrigue cannot be trusted".

The New York Times

The floors were marred with nicks and paint drips, and the bathroom fixtures were stained.

The New York Times

Despite increase in bilateral trade, the relationship between India and China continues to be marred with suspicion, animosity and distrust.

Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services

But offsite practices are marred with a general perspective of its being cause of rigidity in the design processes and disproportional increment in coordination requirements.

Procedia Engineering

So the fact that such an important and poignant night in their life, a real milestone, is marred with such discrimination was so sad to me.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was marred with" to clearly indicate that a negative aspect detracted from an otherwise positive situation or event. Ensure that the subject is something that would generally be considered positive or desirable.

Common error

Avoid using "was marred with" to describe inherently negative situations. The phrase implies a contrast between something good and something negative. For instance, saying "The disaster was marred with destruction" is redundant, as disasters are already destructive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was marred with" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating that something was negatively affected or spoiled by something else. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. Examples show it's used to describe events, processes, or even physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was marred with" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express that something was negatively affected by undesirable elements. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It's frequently found in News & Media sources and is appropriate for formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is something generally positive to highlight the contrast with the negative aspect. Alternatives like "was tainted by" or "was spoiled by" can be used to express slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was tainted by

Emphasizes a corruption or degradation of something's original state.

was spoiled by

Focuses on the reduction of enjoyment or value due to a negative element.

was blemished by

Highlights a visible imperfection or flaw that detracts from overall quality.

was tarnished by

Implies a loss of luster or reputation due to a negative event or aspect.

was affected by

Suggests a broader influence, not necessarily negative but impactful.

was plagued by

Indicates a persistent and troublesome problem.

was undermined by

Highlights a weakening or destabilizing effect.

was compromised by

Suggests a weakening of integrity or effectiveness.

was diminished by

Focuses on a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

was hindered by

Emphasizes an obstruction or impediment.

FAQs

How can I use "was marred with" in a sentence?

Use "was marred with" to indicate that something good or promising was negatively affected by something else. For example, "The victory was marred with controversy."

What are some alternatives to "was marred with"?

Alternatives include "was tainted by", "was spoiled by", or "was blemished by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "was marred with" in formal writing?

Yes, "was marred with" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic papers, and business communications. Its use is generally considered neutral and easily understood.

What's the difference between "was marred with" and "was characterized by"?

"Was marred with" indicates a negative impact on something, while "was characterized by" simply describes its defining features without necessarily implying anything negative. For instance, a performance could be "marred with errors", whereas a landscape might be "characterized by rolling hills".