Pretty ugly

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretty ugly" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe something or someone that is very unattractive, but not quite as unattractive as something or someone else. For example, "The food at that restaurant was pretty ugly, but it was better than the food at the other place down the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pretty ugly.

The New York Times - Sports

"Pretty ugly," he said.

The New Yorker

Pretty ugly, pretty scary.

The New Yorker

It was pretty ugly".

Independent

"It got pretty ugly".

The Guardian

"It can get pretty ugly".

The New York Times

It can be pretty ugly.

The New Yorker

It could get pretty ugly".

The Guardian - Music

It's a pretty ugly thing.

The Guardian

"It was pretty ugly," he admits.

The New York Times

It all got pretty ugly after that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pretty ugly", consider the context and audience. While generally acceptable, it might be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to describe the specific aspect of unattractiveness you're referring to.

Common error

Avoid relying on "pretty ugly" as a catch-all term. It's crucial to specify why something is unattractive. Instead of saying "The report was pretty ugly", try "The report's formatting was inconsistent and difficult to read."

Linguistic Context

"Pretty ugly" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its appearance or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It indicates a level of unattractiveness or unpleasantness that is noticeable but not extreme. The phrase is used to express a subjective assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty ugly" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that is unattractive or unpleasant but not extremely so. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally acceptable in informal contexts, particularly in news and media, but should be used with caution in formal writing where more precise and nuanced language may be preferable. Consider alternatives like "somewhat unattractive" or "rather unsightly" for more formal settings. Avoid overuse and always specify why something is considered "pretty ugly" for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fairly unattractive

Direct synonym, indicates a clear lack of attractiveness with a slightly different emphasis.

Somewhat unattractive

Implies a milder degree of unattractiveness compared to "pretty ugly".

Rather unsightly

Suggests something displeasing to the eye, with a slightly more formal tone.

Kind of hideous

Emphasizes a stronger negative visual impression than "pretty ugly".

Not particularly appealing

Indicates a lack of attractiveness in a more understated way.

Marginally offensive

Shifts focus from aesthetic appearance to being mildly objectionable in some way.

Slightly repulsive

Conveys a sense of disgust, more intense than just being "pretty ugly".

A touch ghastly

Conveys a sense of being shocking or terrifyingly ugly.

A bit grotesque

Implies a distorted or unnatural ugliness.

Somewhat distasteful

Indicates something unpleasant or disagreeable, not necessarily visually.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty ugly" in a sentence?

"Pretty ugly" is typically used to describe something as unattractive or unpleasant, but not extremely so. For example, "The weather outside is "pretty ugly" today, so I'm staying inside."

What's a more formal alternative to "pretty ugly"?

While "pretty ugly" is widely understood, more formal alternatives include "rather unsightly", "somewhat unattractive", or "not particularly appealing". The choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you wish to emphasize.

Is "pretty ugly" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pretty ugly" is grammatically correct. "Pretty" functions as an adverb modifying the adjective "ugly". The phrase is commonly used in informal and conversational contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "pretty ugly"?

"Pretty ugly" is appropriate in informal settings where a straightforward description of unattractiveness is needed. Avoid using it in highly formal writing or situations where a more nuanced or sensitive description is required.