a barbaric request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a barbaric request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a request that is perceived as cruel, uncivilized, or lacking in basic human decency. Example: "The proposal to cut funding for the homeless shelters was met with outrage, as many considered it a barbaric request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not a barbaric request.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The fact that such a "national hero" was then treated by the state in such a "barbaric" way was described as a "terrible blight on our history" by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling, who requested the royal pardon.

BBC

Emwazi is a barbaric murderer.

Independent

Islamic State is a barbaric, vile organisation.

Independent

Iran called it "a barbaric massacre".

The Guardian

"They were tortured in a barbaric way.

The Guardian

It is a barbaric campaign of the first degree.

The New York Times

To Whitman's "barbaric yawp," he added a barbaric precision as stark and challenging as skyscrapers against the sky.

The New Yorker

Opponents say fox hunting is a barbaric practice.

The New York Times

"That was a barbaric place," Mr. Finkel once recalled.

The New York Times - Travel

Who could devise, much less enact, such a barbaric sentence?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a barbaric request", ensure the context clearly establishes the perceived cruelty or inhumanity of the request. Consider the audience and whether the strong language is appropriate for the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a barbaric request" in contexts where the request is simply inconvenient or demanding, but not genuinely cruel or inhumane. Overusing strong language diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a barbaric request" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "request". Ludwig indicates that it's a valid and understandable construction. The adjective "barbaric" emphasizes the extreme cruelty or lack of civilization associated with the request.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a barbaric request" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express strong disapproval of a demand considered cruel or uncivilized. While relatively rare, it appears in reputable sources like BBC and The New York Times, according to Ludwig, making it acceptable in appropriate contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests that the phrase is best used to emphasize the inhumanity of a request, and that synonyms like "an inhumane request" or "a cruel request" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants such strong language to avoid diminishing its impact. Overall, this phrase carries a significant weight, use it wisely to be effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inhumane request

Replaces "barbaric" with "inhumane", emphasizing the lack of compassion.

a cruel request

Replaces "barbaric" with "cruel", highlighting the painful aspect of the request.

a savage request

Replaces "barbaric" with "savage", suggesting a primitive or uncivilized nature.

a ruthless request

Replaces "barbaric" with "ruthless", focusing on the lack of pity or consideration.

an unconscionable request

Replaces "barbaric" with "unconscionable", indicating that the request violates one's conscience.

an atrocious request

Replaces "barbaric" with "atrocious", stressing the shocking or appalling nature.

a heinous request

Replaces "barbaric" with "heinous", implying wickedness or evil.

an outrageous request

Replaces "barbaric" with "outrageous", indicating that the request is shocking and unacceptable.

a brutal request

Replaces "barbaric" with "brutal", underscoring the harshness of the request.

a merciless request

Replaces "barbaric" with "merciless", focusing on the absence of compassion or forgiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a barbaric request" to describe a demand or proposal that is considered cruel, uncivilized, or completely unreasonable. For example, "The company's demand for employees to work unpaid overtime was seen as "a barbaric request" by many".

What are some alternatives to "a barbaric request"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an inhumane request", "a cruel request", or "a savage request". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a barbaric request" too strong of a phrase to use?

The appropriateness of using "a barbaric request" depends on the context and your audience. It is a strong phrase that suggests the request is exceptionally cruel or unreasonable. Consider whether a milder term like "an outrageous request" might be more suitable.

When is it appropriate to use the term "barbaric"?

The term "barbaric" is suitable when describing something exceedingly cruel, primitive, or uncivilized. Using it implies strong disapproval and condemnation of the action or thing being described. For instance, "a heinous request" can be described as such.