a big scandal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big scandal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or widely publicized event that causes public outrage or controversy. Example: "The politician's involvement in the corruption case led to a big scandal that shook the entire nation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

A big scandal!

The Guardian - Opinion

And there was a big scandal about Standard Oil.

Yale University

"This is not a big scandal".

The Guardian

It was a big scandal at the time.

The New York Times

"It was a big scandal back then," she said.

The New York Times

That was a big scandal that wasn't in the media".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Why is this not a bigger scandal?

The New Yorker

This is a bigger scandal than Abu Ghraib, leaving things unfinished and with these politicians".

The New York Times

A member of the audience says it could have blown up into a bigger scandal.

The Guardian

The sting was part of a bigger scandal called the "cash for questions" affair.

BBC

The story of Bloody Sunday shames the British state and should be a bigger scandal.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language to accurately convey the nature and scope of the "big scandal". Avoid generalizations or exaggerations that could undermine the credibility of your writing.

Common error

Avoid labeling every controversy as "a big scandal". Reserve this term for events with widespread impact and serious consequences. Using it too liberally dilutes its meaning.

Linguistic Context

A big scandal functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific event that is characterized by widespread outrage or controversy. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big scandal" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a significant event that sparks widespread public outrage and controversy. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, this noun phrase serves to draw attention to events deemed unacceptable, demanding accountability and inciting change. While similar phrases like "major controversy" or "public disgrace" exist, "a big scandal" succinctly captures the essence of widespread condemnation and societal repercussions. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for events with genuine impact to maintain its intended gravity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

corruption scandal

Specifies that the scandal involves dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.

major controversy

Focuses on disagreement and public debate surrounding an event.

significant uproar

Highlights the widespread public protest and disturbance caused by an event.

public disgrace

Highlights the loss of reputation and honor in the eyes of the public.

huge embarrassment

Emphasizes the shame and humiliation resulting from an event.

serious breach of trust

Highlights the violation of confidence and reliability.

major crisis

Implies a critical and potentially dangerous situation.

political firestorm

Specifically refers to an intense and turbulent political controversy.

massive cover-up

Suggests an attempt to conceal wrongdoing on a large scale.

ethical violation

Focuses on the breach of moral principles and professional standards.

FAQs

How can I use "a big scandal" in a sentence?

You can use "a big scandal" to describe an event that causes widespread public outrage or controversy. For example, "The revelation of the CEO's financial misconduct led to "a big scandal" within the company".

What can I say instead of "a big scandal"?

You can use alternatives like "major controversy", "significant uproar", or "public disgrace" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a big scandal" in formal writing?

Yes, "a big scandal" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports or analytical pieces. However, ensure that the event genuinely warrants such a description and avoid sensationalizing the issue.

What's the difference between "a big scandal" and "a minor incident"?

"A big scandal" refers to an event that causes widespread public outrage and significant consequences, while "a minor incident" is a relatively insignificant event that does not cause widespread concern.