whiff of corruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whiff of corruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a slight or subtle indication of corrupt practices or unethical behavior. Example: "The investigation revealed a whiff of corruption in the city's procurement process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Also a whiff of corruption.

The New York Times - Books

The whiff of corruption which attends his party, however, helps the other candidates.

The Economist

Though the cases are rarely solved, most carry a strong whiff of corruption or business disputes.

The Economist

There was the whiff of corruption: much of the sale proceeds were unaccounted for.

Independent

At first, he will simply have to consolidate his team and try to dispel that whiff of corruption from before.

The Economist

He promised to privatise 250 companies, and to remove the whiff of corruption and inefficiency that pervaded several of them.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Whiffs of corruption hung over both Fifa and the IAAF.

Independent

In 1992, amid the whiff of municipal corruption, Salye was tasked with investigating what had happened.

The Guardian

Perhaps it is the pure drama, violence interwoven with a strong whiff of intrigue, corruption and scandal that makes boxing such an attractive genre for Hollywood – or Pinewood.

Independent

No whiff of personal corruption has attached to him, but apart from this and his keen intellect, he has few positives in his favour.

Independent

And third, the vote took place just as a whiff of old corruption surrounding the present system for appointing the Lords intensified (see article).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whiff of corruption" when you want to suggest a subtle or initial indication of corrupt practices, rather than outright proof. This can be particularly useful when discussing potential scandals or investigations.

Common error

Avoid using "whiff of corruption" when there is substantial evidence of corruption. The phrase implies a minor or initial stage, so using it for blatant or confirmed corruption weakens the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whiff of corruption" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, indicating a subtle or slight indication of corrupt practices. It's often used to introduce suspicion without concrete evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "whiff of corruption" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a subtle or initial indication of corrupt practices. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its presence primarily in News & Media. While not accusatory, it suggests a need for investigation or scrutiny. Related phrases include "hint of corruption" and "trace of corruption". When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the evidence available and avoid overstating the case. The phrase serves to signal suspicion, prompting further inquiry without making definitive claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of corruption

Replaces "whiff" with "hint", suggesting a subtle indication.

trace of corruption

Substitutes "whiff" with "trace", emphasizing a barely detectable amount.

suspicion of corruption

Focuses on the feeling or belief that corruption exists.

suggestion of corruption

Highlights that corruption is being implied or indicated.

smell of corruption

Uses "smell" instead of "whiff", creating a more negative and pervasive image.

tinge of corruption

Replaces "whiff" with "tinge", indicating a slight coloring or influence.

shadow of corruption

Emphasizes the presence of corruption as something dark and looming.

inkling of corruption

Suggests a vague or uncertain idea of corruption.

undertone of corruption

Highlights the subtle but underlying presence of corruption.

air of corruption

Indicates an atmosphere or general impression of corruption.

FAQs

How can I use "whiff of corruption" in a sentence?

You can use "whiff of corruption" to describe situations where there's a subtle indication or suspicion of corrupt practices. For example: "The investigation revealed a "whiff of corruption" in the city's procurement process."

What are some alternatives to "whiff of corruption"?

Alternatives include "hint of corruption", "trace of corruption", or "suspicion of corruption", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "whiff of corruption" in formal writing?

Yes, "whiff of corruption" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in journalistic or analytical contexts where you're discussing potential unethical behavior without definitive proof. However, be mindful of the audience and context.

What's the difference between "whiff of corruption" and "outright corruption"?

"Whiff of corruption" suggests a subtle or initial indication, whereas "outright corruption" refers to clear and undeniable corrupt practices. The former implies suspicion, while the latter indicates proven misconduct.