a dire example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dire example of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a particularly severe or serious instance of something, often to illustrate a negative point or consequence. Example: "The recent environmental disaster is a dire example of the consequences of neglecting climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

What they've just experienced is a dire example of what is euphemistically called "a senior moment".

The New York Times

Indeed, saying that the story haunted her, Mrs. Clinton repeatedly offered it as a dire example of a broken health care system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There are precedents for this – my comment in the introductory paragraph that SF-nal experimentation usually does not have consequences is defied by the whole phenomenon of L Ron Hubbard, in which a particularly dire example of genre fiction has jacked into the wish-fulfilment fantasies of Generation X and spawned the Scientology movement.

The Guardian - Opinion

She cites a dire example, the Irish potato famine of the late 1840's.

The New York Times

The multi-billion-dollar manned space station (allegedly international, but in practice an American enterprise) is an operation looking for a mission.The truth will outCompared with these dire examples of waste and destruction, Dr Hwang's mistake looks relatively modest.

The Economist

While the JMEC report offered only five examples of ceasefire violations, it gave a dire assessment of the cooperation of both sides in the detente.

Vice

A dire forecast of a possible 10,000 cases a week, for example, was never realised.

The Guardian

Such economic consequences to nations that help or hinder us in the U.N. this week do not compare to the human-rights benefits to millions of Iraqis liberated from oppression and to Arabs from Cairo to Gaza in dire need of an example of freedom.

The New York Times

Miles quotes him recalling, in a nice example of his gloatingly dire adjectival style, "During the summer months the smell of shit and coal gas permeated the city, bubbling up from the river's murky depths to cover the oily iridescent surface with miasmal mists".

The New Yorker

She painted a dire picture of the endowment.

The New York Times

There is a dire shortage of the right people".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dire example of" to emphasize the severe consequences or negative outcomes associated with a particular action or situation. This phrase is best suited for formal writing or when aiming to convey a sense of urgency or alarm.

Common error

Avoid using "a dire example of" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase's formal tone can seem overly dramatic or out of place in less serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dire example of" functions as a noun phrase used to highlight a particularly negative or alarming instance of something. This is confirmed by Ludwig's examples showcasing its use in serious contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dire example of" is a phrase used to strongly emphasize a negative instance, best suited for formal contexts to convey a sense of urgency or alarm. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and predominantly found in news and media sources. While effective in the right context, overuse in informal settings can seem overly dramatic. Alternatives like "a stark example of" or "a grave illustration of" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stark example of

Emphasizes the clarity and severity of the example.

a grave illustration of

Highlights the serious nature and illustrative quality of the example.

a serious instance of

Focuses on the weighty and significant occurrence of the situation.

a worrying demonstration of

Indicates concern and the act of showing or proving something.

a disturbing case of

Highlights the troubling and unsettling aspect of the event.

a dreadful depiction of

Stresses the awful and graphic representation of the situation.

a lamentable display of

Emphasizes the regrettable and visible presentation of something.

a disastrous manifestation of

Highlights the catastrophic and evident appearance of something.

an egregious illustration of

Focuses on the outstandingly bad and illustrative nature of the example.

a telling sign of

Implies that the example reveals or indicates something significant.

FAQs

How can I use "a dire example of" in a sentence?

You can use "a dire example of" to illustrate a severe negative consequence. For example, "The company's failure to innovate is "a dire example of" the risks of complacency".

What are some alternatives to "a dire example of"?

Alternatives include "a stark example of", "a grave illustration of", or "a serious instance of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a dire example of"?

No, "a dire example of" is best suited for formal writing or situations where you want to emphasize the severity of a negative outcome. It might sound overly dramatic in casual contexts.

What makes "a dire example of" different from "a bad example of"?

"A dire example of" implies a higher degree of severity and potential for catastrophic consequences compared to "a bad example of". The former is used when the situation is particularly alarming or threatening.