a bitter thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bitter thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unpleasant or causes feelings of resentment or disappointment. Example: "Losing the championship game was a bitter thing for the team to endure after such a hard-fought season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But hunger is a bitter thing.

The New Yorker

"But it's not a bitter thing," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

The permanency of such violation is a bitter thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is a bitter thing with me not to be able to dance again," she said.

The New York Times

It is a bitter thing to see a colleague working as a pitchman for the integration of public higher education into the profit-oriented world of corporate management.

University of California, Berkeley

"It's not a bitter thing, but it's just, like, 'Ah shit, I'm doing something wrong.' " After six weeks and several hundred auditions, it was time for Jones and Feig to finalize the cast for "Other Space".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I was ready to swallow any bitter thing.

The New Yorker

What a fat, bitter thing you are.

The Guardian

She had taken a solemn vow of chastity since then, like one of her made-up childhood rituals of lying in freezing cold water, but to someone with her natural generosity it was a heartless, bitter thing.

The Economist

"I don't have any bitter things to say about Viking; they held off as long as they could".

The New York Times

Sorry, I've just got to get a grip on this bitter thing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bitter thing" to express deep disappointment or resentment, particularly when describing experiences that leave a lasting negative impact. For example, "Losing a close friend is a bitter thing to accept."

Common error

Avoid using "a bitter thing" in everyday conversation or lighthearted situations. It's more appropriate for serious or somber reflections. For casual contexts, consider using phrases like "that's a bummer" or "that's too bad."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bitter thing" functions primarily as a subject complement or predicate nominative, describing or characterizing a subject. It serves to attribute a quality of bitterness, disappointment, or hardship to an event, experience, or realization. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bitter thing" is grammatically sound and expresses profound disappointment or resentment, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it appears across various sources, it's most common in News & Media and Academia, suggesting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To avoid overuse, reserve it for serious reflections, replacing it with milder alternatives like "a painful experience" or "a disappointing outcome" in casual conversations. Remember to consider the somber and lasting negative impact when using "a bitter thing" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bitter pill

A shorter and more direct version focusing on the unpleasantness of acceptance.

a painful experience

Focuses on the unpleasantness and emotional distress.

a harsh reality

Emphasizes the stark and unforgiving nature of the situation.

a disappointing outcome

Highlights the frustration and unfulfilled expectations.

a source of regret

Focuses on the lingering feelings of remorse or sorrow.

a crushing blow

Emphasizes the sudden and devastating impact.

a source of resentment

Highlights the anger and bitterness felt towards something.

a tough pill to swallow

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something unpleasant.

a disheartening event

Highlights the loss of morale and enthusiasm.

an unpleasant matter

Downplays the emotional impact and focuses on the disagreeable nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bitter thing" to describe an experience or situation that causes deep disappointment, regret, or sorrow. For instance, "Realizing that all your hard work was for nothing is "a bitter thing" to come to terms with."

What are some alternatives to saying "a bitter thing"?

Alternatives include "a painful experience", "a harsh reality", or "a disappointing outcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a bitter thing"?

No, the phrase "a bitter thing" is best suited for more formal or serious contexts where you want to express a sense of deep disappointment or regret. Using it in casual situations might sound overly dramatic.

What makes "a bitter thing" different from "a sad thing"?

"A sad thing" generally refers to something that evokes feelings of sorrow or unhappiness. "A bitter thing", on the other hand, implies a deeper sense of resentment, disappointment, or injustice in addition to sadness.