will be afflicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be afflicted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a future state where someone or something will experience suffering or distress. Example: "If the drought continues, the local farmers will be afflicted by severe crop losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

To speak completely honestly, I'm most worried that you will be afflicted with the common problem among intellectuals – that of worrying too much.

The New York Times

It appears to put young users at a heightened risk of developing serious mental illness, although only a small minority will be afflicted.

The Guardian - Opinion

And mental health, long given short shrift by the department, is a serious concern, with the Pentagon estimating that one-fifth of the more than one million veterans will be afflicted.

The New York Times

Every year, approximately 7 percent of us will be afflicted to some degree by the awful mental state that William Styron described as a "gray drizzle of horror... a storm of murk".

The New York Times - Magazine

Led by researchers at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and published in Scientific Reports journal, the report projects that by 2050 more than 98% of coral reefs around the world will be afflicted by "bleaching-level thermal stress" each year.

The Guardian

A comprehensive global review of anxiety studies published in 2006 in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry concluded that as many as one in six people worldwide will be afflicted with an anxiety disorder for at least a year during some point in their lifetimes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Other ways in which Twelfth Night and What You Will is afflicted start with the use of only five actors.

Huffington Post

In other words, we'll be afflicted with arthritis.

The New York Times

And one third will conquer them; they will never be afflicted with sorrow.

The Guardian

I'm afraid we're raising a future generation of disillusioned adults who will wait, frustrated, for all the fun they've indirectly been promised -- and who will forever be afflicted with a severe case of FOMO.

Huffington Post

Take a walk down any street and out of every 10 people you pass, one will probably be afflicted by social phobia at some point in their life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will be afflicted", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the affliction to avoid ambiguity. Specify what or whom is doing the afflicting.

Common error

Avoid using "will be afflicted" in situations where a less formal or less dramatic phrase would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or exaggerated. Consider alternatives like "will be affected" or "will experience" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be afflicted" functions as a future passive construction, indicating that someone or something will experience a negative condition or state. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts involving diseases, mental health, and environmental impacts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will be afflicted" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a future state of suffering or being negatively impacted. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is often found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, expressing predictions or warnings about potential hardships. While correct, consider its slightly formal tone and potential for sounding overly dramatic; simpler alternatives like "will be affected" might be more appropriate in some cases. Using "will be afflicted" effectively involves clearly indicating the source and nature of the affliction to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will suffer from

Focuses more directly on the experience of suffering as a consequence.

will be affected by

Broader term indicating influence, not necessarily negative.

will be struck by

Implies a sudden or unexpected impact.

will be burdened with

Highlights the weight or difficulty caused by something.

will experience

A more neutral term, not necessarily negative, depending on context.

will succumb to

Suggests a loss of resistance and being overcome.

will fall victim to

Emphasizes being harmed or exploited by something.

will be susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability and increased risk.

will be prone to

Indicates a natural tendency or likelihood.

will be vulnerable to

Focuses on a state of weakness and exposure to harm.

FAQs

How can I use "will be afflicted" in a sentence?

The phrase "will be afflicted" is used to describe a future state where someone or something will experience suffering or distress. For example: "If the drought continues, the local farmers "will be afflicted" by severe crop losses."

What phrases are similar to "will be afflicted"?

Similar phrases include "will suffer from", "will be affected by", or "will be struck by", each carrying slightly different connotations of experiencing something negative.

Is "will be afflicted" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "will be afflicted" leans towards a more formal register and can sometimes sound dramatic. Consider the context to determine if a simpler phrase like "will experience" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "will be affected" and "will be afflicted"?

"Will be affected" is a broader term that indicates influence, not necessarily negative. "Will be afflicted", on the other hand, specifically suggests suffering or distress. Therefore, "will be afflicted" is more appropriate when referring to something harmful or undesirable.