a dreadful emotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dreadful emotion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong negative feeling, such as fear, sadness, or anxiety. Example: "As she stood alone in the dark, a dreadful emotion washed over her, leaving her paralyzed with fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A dreadful controversy indeed!

The New Yorker

A dreadful thought occurs.

The Economist

A dreadful end.

Independent

What a dreadful impoverishment.

The New York Times

It's a dreadful, dreadful thing".

The Guardian - Film

It is a dreadful, dreadful meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a dreadful, dreadful blow.

The Guardian

Monday was a dreadful day.

The New Yorker

It is a dreadful one.

The Economist

It sets a dreadful precedent.

The Guardian

A dreadful miss.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dreadful emotion" to describe a strong, negative feeling that significantly impacts a character's state of mind or actions in writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a dreadful emotion" excessively, especially in contexts where simpler descriptions would be more effective. Overusing such intense language can diminish its impact and make writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dreadful emotion" functions as a noun phrase, where "dreadful" modifies the noun "emotion". It describes a particular kind of feeling, emphasizing its negative and unpleasant nature. Based on Ludwig AI analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct, but its usage should be nuanced.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dreadful emotion" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a strong negative feeling. Although the phrase does not appear in the provided Ludwig examples, its structure follows standard English conventions. It serves to communicate unease or discomfort. While applicable across different forms of writing, the register leans towards neutral, with potential for more formal usage depending on the context. Consider alternatives like "a terrible feeling" or "an awful sentiment" for varied expression. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness, emphasizing the importance of considering the context for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a terrible feeling

Replaces "dreadful" with "terrible", keeping the focus on the feeling's unpleasant nature.

an awful sentiment

Substitutes "emotion" with "sentiment" and "dreadful" with "awful", emphasizing a negative thought or opinion.

a horrible sensation

Changes "emotion" to "sensation", focusing on the physical aspect of the feeling, and replaces "dreadful" with "horrible".

a chilling feeling

Replaces "dreadful emotion" with a more evocative "chilling feeling", focusing on the fear aspect.

an unsettling emotion

Emphasizes the disturbing and anxiety-inducing nature of the emotion.

a distressing feeling

Highlights the feeling's capacity to cause worry and suffering.

a sickening feeling

Conveys a feeling of disgust or nausea associated with the emotion.

a painful feeling

Focuses on the emotional pain caused by the feeling.

an agonizing emotion

Highlights the intense suffering associated with the emotion.

a crushing feeling

Emphasizes the overwhelming and oppressive nature of the emotion.

FAQs

How can I describe "a dreadful emotion" in more detail?

To elaborate on "a dreadful emotion", consider specifying the type of emotion (e.g., fear, despair, grief) and its intensity. You could also describe the physical sensations or thoughts associated with the emotion.

What's a less formal way to express "a dreadful emotion"?

Informally, you could say "a really bad feeling" or "a horrible sensation". These alternatives convey the negative aspect without being overly dramatic.

What are some situations where "a dreadful emotion" might be felt?

Situations evoking "a dreadful emotion" can include experiencing loss, facing imminent danger, witnessing injustice, or feeling profound isolation. These are often high-stakes or deeply personal moments.

Is "a dreadful emotion" the same as "a terrible feeling"?

While similar, "a dreadful emotion" implies a deeper, more intense negativity than "a terrible feeling". "Dreadful" suggests a sense of foreboding or intense suffering.