a bitter call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bitter call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phone call or communication that is unpleasant, harsh, or filled with resentment. Example: "After hearing the news, she made a bitter call to her former colleague, expressing her disappointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That is only one part of the tattered mosaic of college basketball that turned the N.C.A.A. president's state-of-the-game address here into a bitter call for change.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Cooder calls it "a bitter song".

The New Yorker

Or he may have thought you were referring to a weak bitter called IPA made by Greene King.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a bitter curtain call for a former somebody.

The New York Times

On "Lover I Don't Have to Love," three drummers banged out a double-time beat, and a bitter country song called "Make War" was sweetened by a pedal steel.

The New York Times - Arts

(Using the tax's Spanish acronym, the newspaper El País coined a bitter rhyme, calling it an "IVA-guillotina").

The New York Times - Arts

Justice Antonin G. Scalia wrote a bitter dissent — calling the lower court's order a "terrible injunction" — that was signed by Justice Clarence Thomas.

The New York Times

In a bitter poem called "Democracy" he paid tribute to his mother, who died, he said, when she was 46, describing her as "a dandelion seed of a woman" who was nonetheless "the embodiment of strong".

The New York Times - Books

Mrs. Pilla, still bitter, called it a smear campaign and an engineered coup.

The New York Times

Finally, the two women parted ways in a bitter transatlantic phone call.

The New Yorker

Hagel simply said the truth, something that sounds as a bitter wake-up call to conservatives, whether old and new, who convince themselves that the US can intervene in foreign countries, even friendly, and determine the course of their history.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a bitter call", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and reason for the bitterness to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a bitter call" in everyday situations that don't warrant such strong language. Using it too frequently can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bitter call" functions as a noun phrase, where "bitter" is an adjective modifying the noun "call". Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples showing the phrase used to describe unpleasant or resentful communications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bitter call" is a phrase used to describe a communication characterized by negativity, resentment, or disappointment. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and most frequently found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "a resentful communication" or "an acrimonious phone conversation" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific emotion you intend to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly supports the strong negative connotation to avoid sounding melodramatic. Ludwig AI shows that it is a commonly used expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resentful communication

Emphasizes the feeling of resentment underlying the communication, shifting the focus from the act of calling to the emotion behind it.

an acrimonious phone conversation

Highlights the presence of bitterness and animosity in the telephone exchange, focusing on the hostile nature of the interaction.

a scathing message

Conveys the intensity and harshness of the message, replacing the general term "call" with a more evocative description.

a vitriolic exchange

Indicates a highly corrosive and bitter interaction, emphasizing the venomous nature of the communication.

a hostile contact

Focuses on the antagonistic nature of the interaction, broadening the term "call" to include various forms of contact.

a displeased announcement

Emphasizes the expression of dissatisfaction or disapproval in the communication, specifying it as an announcement.

a sour discussion

Highlights the unpleasant and disagreeable nature of the discussion, using a different adjective to describe the interaction.

a peeved notification

Suggests a feeling of annoyance or irritation conveyed through a notification, adding a layer of specificity to the communication.

an embittered statement

Highlights the presence of deep-seated bitterness in the statement, focusing on the speaker's emotional state.

a grievous appeal

Indicates a serious or grave request made with a sense of sorrow or distress, changing the tone of the communication.

FAQs

What does "a bitter call" typically describe?

The phrase "a bitter call" typically describes a phone call or communication filled with resentment, disappointment, or anger. It suggests an unpleasant exchange where strong negative emotions are expressed.

What can I say instead of "a bitter call"?

You can use alternatives like "a resentful communication", "an acrimonious phone conversation", or "a scathing message" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a bitter call" formal or informal?

The phrase "a bitter call" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news reports and journalistic writing. Consider the audience before using it.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a bitter call"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "a bitter call" when you want to emphasize the negative emotions and harsh feelings associated with a particular communication or interaction.