a disaster at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disaster at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has gone wrong or failed at a specific location or context. Example: "The event turned into a disaster at the venue due to the unexpected storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His A Disaster at Sea (c.

Wikipedia

"Almost a disaster at 14".

The New York Times - Sports

"Darko was a disaster at Sundance too," he tells me.

The Guardian - Film

I was a disaster at languages at school.

The Guardian

Gascoigne lasted 39 days at Kettering Town while Sir Bobby Charlton was a disaster at Preston.

Independent

"Jericho Turnpike is already a disaster at 5 o'clock," he said.

The New York Times

While it was hardly a disaster at 110,000 copies, the publisher was disappointed.

The New York Times - Books

THE fall of Slobodan Milosevic is a disaster at least for Kosovo's hopes for independence.

The New York Times

The traditional solution -- refinancing the house -- would have been a disaster at today's higher interest rates.

The New York Times

Nicolás Otamendi, meanwhile, was a disaster at right-back, committing foul after foul in threatening positions.

The Guardian - Sport

I thought the 2007 Budget was a disaster at the time, and said so.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a disaster at" to clearly indicate a failure or negative event in a specific location or context. This phrase is direct and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "a disaster at" when a less dramatic term would be more accurate. Overstating the severity can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disaster at" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and describes a specific event or situation as a failure within a particular context, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a disaster at" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a failure or negative event within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "a catastrophe at" or "a failure at" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and context. It's crucial to avoid sensationalism and use the phrase accurately to maintain credibility. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a catastrophe at

Replaces "disaster" with a stronger term emphasizing the severity of the event.

a failure at

Focuses on the lack of success or accomplishment in a particular area.

a debacle at

Suggests a complete and often humiliating failure.

a fiasco at

Implies a ridiculous or disorganized failure.

a calamity at

Emphasizes the disastrous and often tragic nature of the event.

an upset at

Highlights an unexpected and unfortunate event.

a misfortune at

Emphasizes bad luck or unfortunate circumstances.

a setback at

Suggests a temporary delay or obstacle.

a breakdown at

Implies a system or process failure.

a problem at

A more general term indicating an issue or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "a disaster at" in a sentence?

You can use "a disaster at" to describe a negative event or failure that occurred in a specific location or during a particular activity. For example, "The event turned into "a disaster at" the venue due to the unexpected storm".

What are some alternatives to saying "a disaster at"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a catastrophe at", "a failure at", or "a fiasco at".

Is it appropriate to use "a disaster at" in formal writing?

Yes, "a disaster at" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when accurately describing a significant negative event. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

What's the difference between "a disaster at" and "a disaster in"?

"A disaster at" typically refers to a specific location or event, while "a disaster in" often describes a broader area or field. For example, ""a disaster at" the stadium" versus "a disaster in the economy".