were afflicted with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were afflicted with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is suffering from a particular condition or problem. Example: "The community were afflicted with a severe drought that lasted for several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Some were afflicted with serious mental illness as well.

The New York Times - Books

In 1777, hundreds of Sharon residents were afflicted with the pox, with 30 dying.

The New York Times

Most families were afflicted with some kind of illness, in addition to malnutrition.

The New Yorker

Last holiday season, many online toy sellers were afflicted with that bad rap.

The New York Times - Tech

He believed that many Chinese dissidents were afflicted with an inflated self-regard.

The New Yorker

Other societies that were afflicted with similar maladies have managed to restore themselves to health.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

He is afflicted with loneliness.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Romney has been afflicted with both.

The New York Times

His life was afflicted with tragedies.

The New Yorker

The writer was afflicted with asthma.

The New Yorker

I am afflicted with ancestors and relatives.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were afflicted with" to describe conditions, diseases, or problems that cause suffering or hardship to a group or population. Ensure the subject clearly identifies the group being affected and the object specifies the affliction.

Common error

Avoid using "were afflicted with" for minor inconveniences or temporary states. This phrase carries a connotation of significant suffering or hardship, and using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and appear hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were afflicted with" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that a subject experienced a negative condition or state. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe populations or entities suffering from ailments, diseases, or hardships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were afflicted with" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of suffering or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news and scientific contexts to describe populations experiencing negative conditions, ranging from diseases to economic hardships. While versatile, it's important to reserve its use for genuinely significant afflictions to maintain the impact of the statement and avoid hyperbole. Alternatives like "were stricken with" or ""were burdened by"" can be considered depending on the specific nuance desired. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were stricken with

Emphasizes a sudden and often severe impact of something negative, like an illness or disaster.

were burdened by

Highlights the weight or strain caused by something, focusing on the experience of carrying a heavy load.

were plagued by

Suggests a persistent and troublesome issue that causes ongoing annoyance or suffering.

were beset by

Implies being surrounded or attacked by problems or difficulties from multiple directions.

were troubled by

Focuses on the emotional distress or worry caused by a problem or situation.

were affected by

A more general term indicating that something has had an influence, often negative, on someone or something.

were subjected to

Implies being forced to experience something unpleasant or harmful, often by an external force.

were impaired by

Highlights the reduction in function or ability due to a specific condition or problem.

were compromised by

Indicates a weakening or undermining of something's integrity or effectiveness due to a specific factor.

were marred by

Suggests that something was spoiled or damaged by a particular flaw or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "were afflicted with" in a sentence?

Use "were afflicted with" to describe a group or population experiencing hardship due to a specific condition or problem. For example, "Many families "were burdened by" illness and poverty".

What are some alternatives to "were afflicted with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "were stricken with", ""were burdened by"", or "were plagued by depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it appropriate to use "were afflicted with" to describe a temporary inconvenience?

No, "were afflicted with" is best used to describe significant suffering or hardship caused by a condition or problem. Using it for minor inconveniences can be an overstatement.

What is the difference between "were afflicted with" and "were affected by"?

"Were afflicted with" implies a more severe and negative impact than "were affected by". "Were affected by" is a more general term, while "were afflicted with" suggests suffering or hardship.