a calamity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a calamity for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that causes great distress or disaster for someone or something. Example: "The sudden economic downturn was a calamity for small businesses struggling to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The last four overs were a calamity for India.

The Guardian - Sport

The pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party said the deal would be a calamity for Taiwan's democracy.

The Economist

Getting busted is not always a calamity for the underground restaurateur, however.

The New Yorker

MIYAZAKI, Japan — It is a calamity for this quiet cattle community.

The New York Times

What he proposes is a Talibanist project, which would be a calamity for the Arab people".

The New York Times - Magazine

The foreclosure crisis is a calamity for individual homeowners and a worry to financial markets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Frequently, homes are put up as collateral, so deportation can be a financial calamity for an entire family.

The New Yorker

"It's a huge calamity for an export to fail that way," Janet Stotsky, the International Monetary Fund's mission chief for Malawi, said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Amnesty International has reported on the delta as a calamity zone for human rights, breeding conflict.

The New York Times

"It was such a calamity, and for a long time a lot of people didn't want to admit it was a calamity.

The Guardian

Not a calamity, however, for the Springboks have still to play New Zealand in Hamilton next week and they need just a single point from either game to be sure of the title.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a calamity for" to emphasize the severe negative consequences of an event or situation on a specific entity. For broader impacts, consider alternatives like "a disaster".

Common error

Avoid using "a calamity for" when describing minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve it for situations with significant and far-reaching negative effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a calamity for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or a predicative nominative. It typically follows a linking verb (e.g., "is", "was", "became") and describes the noun it refers to as something disastrous or extremely unfortunate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a calamity for" is a commonly used phrase to describe situations that have devastating or disastrous consequences for a specific entity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to emphasize significant misfortune. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the severity of the situation, reserving it for truly dire circumstances. Alternatives such as ""a disaster for"" or ""a tragedy for"" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disaster for

Focuses directly on the disastrous nature of the situation.

a catastrophe for

Emphasizes the sudden and widespread damage caused.

a tragedy for

Highlights the sorrowful and grievous nature of the event.

a setback for

Indicates a hindrance or reversal in progress.

a misfortune for

Points out the unfortunate and adverse circumstances.

a blow to

Highlights the damaging impact on something.

a woe for

Implies deep sorrow or distress.

detrimental to

Stresses the harmful or damaging effect.

damaging to

Emphasizes the harm caused.

ruinous for

Indicates the destructive or devastating consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "a calamity for" in a sentence?

Use "a calamity for" to describe an event or situation that brings significant misfortune or disaster to a particular entity. For example, "The economic recession was "a calamity for" small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "a calamity for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a disaster for", "a catastrophe for", or "a tragedy for".

When is it appropriate to use "a calamity for"?

It's appropriate to use "a calamity for" when you want to highlight the disastrous or devastating impact of an event or situation on a specific group, organization, or entity. It suggests more than just a setback; it implies significant and widespread negative consequences.

What is the difference between "a calamity for" and "a setback for"?

"A calamity for" implies a significant disaster or misfortune, while "a setback for" suggests a temporary hindrance or reversal in progress. "A calamity" has more serious and far-reaching implications.