a dreadful vision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dreadful vision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a frightening or disturbing image or thought that someone has experienced. Example: "As she closed her eyes, a dreadful vision of the future haunted her mind, leaving her in a state of despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As the sun went down, he remembered years later, he was seized by a dreadful vision: "The air became like blood – with piercing strands of fire..

The Guardian - Arts

And not just politically, it's to concede and accept a dreadful vision of reality.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

4.31am GMT A dreadful sight.

The Guardian

Third, although it embraces acceptance of hardship and transcendence of the infirmities of existence, there is no consideration in it for the negative or fearsome experiences that are often described as spiritual, such as dreadful visions or an overwhelming sense of fear.

BMC Health Services Research

This dispatch has shattered all our notions of rural life... Indeed the hardships and horrors of country life, in the lurid light of our new knowledge, begin to loom like dreadful visions.

The New Yorker

This dispatch has shattered all our notions of rural life... Indeed the hardships and horrors of country life, in the lurid light of our new knowledge, begin to loom like dreadful visions... View Article By Phil Klay By John Cassidy By Troy Patterson By Andy Borowitz.

The New Yorker

This dispatch has shattered all our notions of rural life... Indeed the hardships and horrors of country life, in the lurid light of our new knowledge, begin to loom like dreadful visions... View Article By Phil Klay By Troy Patterson By John Cassidy By Amy Davidson Sorkin.

The New Yorker

Each film offers a blackly dazzling vision of a dreadful future from a nation that, whatever the reality of the wartime blitz spirit, loves the idea of itself as besieged and – though fond of a moan – forever staying the course (our response to the financial collapse of 2008, for instance, being a surge in sales of coffee mugs urging us to keep calm and carry on).

The Guardian - Film

In the final meaningless weeks of a dreadful season, comfort comes in only two forms: salary-cap space and visions of James.

The New York Times - Sports

A dreadful controversy indeed!

The New Yorker

A dreadful thought occurs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dreadful vision" to create a strong emotional impact when describing a disturbing or frightening scene, either literal or metaphorical. This phrase can effectively convey a sense of unease or horror.

Common error

Avoid using "a dreadful vision" in everyday conversation or writing about minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios that genuinely evoke a sense of deep dread or foreboding, not for describing something merely unpleasant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dreadful vision" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something seen or imagined that evokes fear and horror. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dreadful vision" is a noun phrase used to describe a frightening or disturbing image or thought. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, it is most often found in news and media contexts. It effectively conveys a sense of dread or foreboding, and is best used when describing genuinely unsettling scenarios. Alternatives include "a horrifying glimpse" and "a terrifying prospect". Use this phrase carefully to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a horrifying glimpse

Replaces "vision" with "glimpse", emphasizing a brief and disturbing view.

a terrifying prospect

Shifts from a visual image to a potential future event, maintaining the negative connotation.

a grim outlook

Focuses on future expectations that are pessimistic.

a bleak forecast

Similar to a grim outlook, but used in a more predictive context.

a nightmarish scenario

Emphasizes the qualities of a nightmare, highlighting the disturbing nature of the vision.

a chilling premonition

Indicates a feeling of something bad about to happen, creating fear and apprehension.

a disturbing revelation

Focuses on uncovering something previously unknown that causes distress.

an appalling sight

Replaces the concept of "vision" with a particularly horrible or shocking view.

a horrifying spectacle

Describes something shocking and terrible that is witnessed publicly.

a fearful anticipation

Highlights anxiety and dread about something that is expected to happen.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a dreadful vision" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a dreadful vision", ensure the context involves a significantly negative or disturbing image or premonition. For instance, "The economic forecast painted "a dreadful vision" of widespread unemployment and poverty".

What are some alternatives to "a dreadful vision"?

You can use alternatives like "a horrifying glimpse", "a terrifying prospect", or "a grim outlook" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "dreadful vision" a formal or informal expression?

"Dreadful vision" leans towards a more formal or literary register. It is typically used in writing or speech where a heightened sense of drama or foreboding is intended.

What kind of scenarios best suit the use of "a dreadful vision"?

This phrase is most suitable for describing scenarios involving intense fear, profound unease, or catastrophic predictions, such as in horror stories, dystopian narratives, or serious analyses of potential disasters.