a calamitous event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a calamitous event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that causes great damage or distress, often in a serious or disastrous context. Example: "The earthquake was a calamitous event that left the city in ruins and its residents in despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Usually, after a calamitous event or a political embarrassment, it is the White House that seeks a commission to investigate.

The New York Times

In many of these tales, the normal course of love is halted and redirected by a calamitous event: the onset and cruel progress of a spouse's debilitating disease, the discovery of adultery, the initiation of a child-custody battle.

The New York Times - Books

In observing how a calamitous event like the destruction of the World Trade Center can establish new indexes of timekeeping (the "Before and After" syndrome), Deaver argues that stopping time in its tracks is a madman's ruse for stopping life itself.

The New York Times - Books

Around this time Bev starts spearheading the local trade in stolen beef, which ultimately leads to the bank robbery we learn of in the first paragraph, a calamitous event that leads us ever deeper into the life of Dell Parsons: twin brother of Berner, son of Neeva Kamper, a boy interested in chess and keeping bees who is very much looking forward to starting high school in the fall.

The New York Times - Books

This is Shock Doctrine 101: a calamitous event propels the priorities of those in power.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

According to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) (8), a disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses that exceed the community's or society's ability to cope using its own resources.

Global Health Action

Television can now bring instant, extensive and repetitive focus to any calamitous event; the police have learned to use the attention to their own advantage.

The New York Times

"It has had a calamitous effect on converted peoples.

The Guardian

The impact of the melting Arctic may have a calamitous effect on the planet.

The Economist

For a work about a life-altering calamitous event, "Humpty Dumpty" is uneventful.

The New York Times

So far, our international system has failed to respond adequately to the current spate of crises – let alone a potentially more calamitous event.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a calamitous event" with strong verbs and vivid adjectives to create a more impactful description. For example, "The hurricane was a calamitous event that obliterated the coastline."

Common error

Avoid using "a calamitous event" to describe minor inconveniences or slightly negative situations. This phrase is best reserved for events that involve significant damage, loss, or suffering.

Linguistic Context

A calamitous event functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an occurrence marked by disaster and misfortune. The Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts like natural disasters and economic crises.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a calamitous event" is a noun phrase used to describe a disastrous occurrence. It is considered grammatically correct and appears in various reputable sources, including news media and scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the severity and negative impact of an event. When using "a calamitous event", reserve it for genuinely disastrous situations and avoid overuse in mild contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disastrous occurrence

Focuses on the disastrous nature of the event, emphasizing the negative outcome.

a catastrophic incident

Highlights the scale of the disaster, suggesting widespread and severe impact.

a devastating episode

Emphasizes the emotional and physical damage caused by the event.

a tragic happening

Focuses on the sorrow and loss associated with the event.

a ruinous affair

Emphasizes the destructive consequences and downfall resulting from the event.

a destructive phenomenon

Highlights the element of destruction, often applied to natural disasters or large-scale incidents.

a dire situation

Focuses on the severity and urgency of the circumstances created by the event.

a fateful occurrence

Emphasizes the sense of destiny and inescapable consequence associated with the event.

a crushing blow

Highlights the sudden and overwhelming impact of the event.

a harrowing experience

Focuses on the distress and suffering endured during the event.

FAQs

How can I use "a calamitous event" in a sentence?

Use "a calamitous event" to describe something extremely disastrous. For example, "The earthquake was "a calamitous event" that destroyed much of the city".

What are some alternatives to saying "a calamitous event"?

Alternatives include "a disastrous occurrence", "a catastrophic incident", or "a devastating episode", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "a calamitous event" from "a bad event"?

"A calamitous event" implies a high degree of damage, suffering, and widespread negative consequences, unlike "a bad event", which can refer to something minor or less impactful.

Is it appropriate to use "a calamitous event" in formal writing?

Yes, "a calamitous event" is suitable for formal writing when describing incidents of significant severity and impact. It's frequently found in news reports, academic papers, and official documents.