a barbaric practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a barbaric practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that is considered cruel, inhumane, or primitive. Example: "Many activists argue that animal testing is a barbaric practice that should be abolished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Opponents say fox hunting is a barbaric practice.

The New York Times

Her outspoken condemnation of FGM helped to raise awareness of a barbaric practice.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Blunkett described female circumcision as a "barbaric practice that is rightly illegal in this country".

The Guardian

The fins are cut off and the bodies dumped overboard, a barbaric practice known as finning.

The New York Times

Still, the ban was hailed as a major victory by animal welfare groups that have long crusaded against what they consider to be a barbaric practice.

The New York Times

I hope that as a private citizen, Mr. Clinton will add his voice to those of a growing number of thoughtful Americans seeking to abolish a barbaric practice that has no place in an enlightened society.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The NAACP fought to portray lynching as a savage, barbaric practice, an idea which eventually gained traction in the public mind.

Wikipedia

The HBO piece, produced primarily at Mountaineer Park, in West Virginia, did no more than scratch the veneer of a shameful, barbaric practice.

The New York Times

True or not, if any rationale can be found for abolishing a useless and barbaric practice that has no deterrent effect whatever, it will be welcome.

Huffington Post

"Very late term abortions are an extreme and barbaric practice," Arizona Republican Trent Franks, the bill's sponsor, said in a statement on Facebook.

Vice

Animal advocates did not want a proponent of this barbaric practice in the U.S. Senate, and Humane USA, a political action committee, ran television ads in Louisiana and sent mailings to women voters, exposing John's support for cockfighting.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a barbaric practice", ensure that the context clearly illustrates the extreme cruelty or inhumanity associated with the action or behavior you are describing. Provide specific details to support your characterization.

Common error

Avoid using "a barbaric practice" lightly or hyperbolically. Overusing this phrase for minor offenses diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound sensationalist or biased. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such strong condemnation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a barbaric practice" functions as a noun phrase, where "barbaric" modifies the noun "practice". It serves to categorize and condemn a particular activity or custom as cruel and inhumane. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is commonly used to describe actions or behaviors that are considered cruel, inhumane, or primitive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a barbaric practice" is a noun phrase used to strongly condemn actions deemed cruel and inhumane. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in news and media. While it effectively communicates moral outrage, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "a cruel custom" or "an inhumane act" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. This phrase carries significant weight, making its careful application essential for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cruel custom

Replaces "barbaric practice" with "cruel custom", softening the tone while retaining the core meaning of inhumanity.

an inhumane act

Substitutes "barbaric practice" with "inhumane act", focusing on the lack of compassion in the action.

a savage tradition

Replaces "barbaric practice" with "savage tradition", emphasizing the primitive and brutal nature of the custom.

a brutal undertaking

Changes "barbaric practice" to "brutal undertaking", highlighting the violent and harsh nature of the action.

an atrocious deed

Substitutes "barbaric practice" with "atrocious deed", emphasizing the shocking and wicked nature of the action.

a ruthless exercise

Replaces "barbaric practice" with "ruthless exercise", focusing on the merciless and pitiless nature of the action.

a callous activity

Changes "barbaric practice" to "callous activity", highlighting the lack of empathy in the action.

a merciless operation

Substitutes "barbaric practice" with "merciless operation", emphasizing the lack of compassion and the calculated nature of the action.

a primitive ritual

Replaces "barbaric practice" with "primitive ritual", highlighting the uncivilized or undeveloped nature of the custom.

an uncivilized act

Changes "barbaric practice" to "uncivilized act", emphasizing the lack of refinement and sophistication in the action.

FAQs

How can I use "a barbaric practice" in a sentence?

You can use "a barbaric practice" to describe activities considered extremely cruel or inhumane. For example, "Many consider the practice of shark finning "a barbaric practice" because of the suffering it inflicts on the animals".

What are some alternatives to saying "a barbaric practice"?

Consider using alternatives like "a cruel custom", "an inhumane act", or "a savage tradition" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to describe any controversial practice as "a barbaric practice"?

While it can be tempting to use strong language, reserve "a barbaric practice" for situations involving extreme cruelty or inhumanity. Overuse can weaken the impact and credibility of your statement. Ensure your characterization is justified by the facts.

What makes a practice qualify as "a barbaric practice"?

A practice typically qualifies as "a barbaric practice" when it involves inflicting severe suffering, disregarding basic human rights, or reflecting a primitive or uncivilized mindset. Consider the ethical implications and the level of harm caused before using this term.