a bitter day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bitter day" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a day that is unpleasant, harsh, or filled with negative emotions, often related to weather or personal experiences. Example: "After receiving the bad news, it felt like a bitter day, overshadowing everything around me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Practically running back to the car, we feel rejuvenated for having ventured out on such a bitter day.

The New York Times

It was a bitter day for Mr. Silverstein, who had fulfilled his longstanding dream to control the trade center in July 2001, when he won the lease for the complex.

The New York Times

However, the novel's real pleasures are incidental, the teenage obsessions of the protagonists, ranging from Dan Dare and Spiderman to the eccentric utterances of the vividly Technicolor cameo characters: "It's a bitter day for this town if the world comes to an end," one exclaims.

The Guardian - Books

It was a bitter day, indeed, given the stage.

Los Angeles Times

So when the German chancellor speaks of a "bitter day" and a "painful defeat", the bitterness and pain are real.

The Economist

"This is a bitter day for us," Mr. Röttgen told supporters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

ON a bitter Friday night last month about 50 people gathered in LaGuardia Community College's main theater for a workshop presentation of "The Really Big Once," Target Margin Theater's new show exploring the making of Tennessee Williams's 1953 play "Camino Real".

The New York Times

It was a profoundly bitter day, punctuated by Obama excoriating Congress for its failure to act.

Huffington Post

This has been a sad, bitter day in January 2010 for this country.

Huffington Post

Among them was the tourism minister, Derek Hanekom, who proposed the no-confidence vote Saturday, triggering a bitter three-day struggle.

Los Angeles Times

A bitter February day..

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bitter day" to convey a sense of disappointment, sorrow, or harshness, whether due to weather, events, or personal circumstances. It's effective for setting a negative tone or highlighting a contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "a bitter day" in situations that are only mildly unpleasant. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for situations where the negativity is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bitter day" functions as a noun phrase, where "bitter" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "day". It is used to describe the quality or character of a particular day. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bitter day" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express negativity or disappointment associated with a particular day. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for journalistic and descriptive writing. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the negativity you wish to convey and avoid overuse in overly dramatic situations. Alternative phrases like ""a sad day"" or ""a difficult day"" can provide nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sad day

Focuses on the sorrowful and mournful aspect of the day, emphasizing emotional distress.

a painful day

Emphasizes the suffering and distress experienced during the day, whether physical or emotional.

a tragic day

Focuses on the catastrophic or devastating aspect of the day, emphasizing loss and sorrow.

a heartbreaking day

Highlights the emotional devastation and grief experienced during the day, emphasizing profound sadness.

a grim day

Highlights the bleak and depressing atmosphere of the day, conveying a sense of hopelessness.

a miserable day

Highlights the general unhappiness and discomfort associated with the day, suggesting a lack of joy.

a sour day

Emphasizes the unpleasant or disappointing nature of the day, suggesting a sense of dissatisfaction.

an awful day

Emphasizes the terrible and unpleasant nature of the day, conveying a sense of disgust and revulsion.

a difficult day

Focuses on the challenges and hardships encountered during the day, emphasizing struggle and effort.

a trying day

Emphasizes the testing and challenging nature of the day, suggesting a strain on one's patience and resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "a bitter day" in a sentence?

You can use "a bitter day" to describe a day filled with unpleasant events or feelings. For instance, "After the company announced layoffs, it was a bitter day for all the employees."

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

You can use alternatives like "a sad day", "a painful day", or "a difficult day" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a bitter day" in formal writing?

Yes, "a bitter day" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing events with negative consequences or emotional impact. However, consider the overall tone and audience to ensure it fits the context.

What's the difference between "a bitter day" and "a bad day"?

"A bad day" is a general term for a day with some problems or annoyances. "A bitter day" suggests a more profound sense of disappointment, sorrow, or injustice, often implying lasting negative effects.