a frightful state

USAGE SUMMARY

"a frightful state" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation that is alarming or distressing. Example: "After the storm, the town was left in a frightful state." Alternative expressions include "a terrible condition" and "a dreadful situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The regional theatres and the orchestras are in a frightful state.

The Guardian

"We spent a quarter of all our Anru subsidies rehabilitating the part of Lochères most in need of attention, as well as the schools which were in a frightful state.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is it not on the contrary the last duty of the physician to preserve what the dying man would consider his dignity, the dignity of not being seen in this frightful state, and also to honour the commitment he has made to dying man's loved ones to ensure a peaceful death without suffering?

Annals of Intensive Care

The political movements tapping into this anger and resentment will -- if they get into power -- administer a frightful roll back dividing nation-states and communities along racial and religious lines.

Huffington Post

The writer in her peaceful English country home, hears a frightful scream one morning.

The New Yorker

There followed a frightful beating.

The Guardian - Books

Onions and a frightful stew.

The Guardian

This was a frightful ordeal.

The Guardian

"Guruji had a frightful personality," Iyengar wrote.

The New Yorker

We're not a frightful people.

The Guardian

It was, he said, "a frightful dump".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a frightful state", consider the emotional impact you wish to convey. It's stronger than merely 'bad' and implies a level of distress or alarm.

Common error

Avoid using "a frightful state" in informal conversations or writing. Its intensity can sound overly dramatic or out of place in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frightful state" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the condition or situation of something, emphasizing its negative and alarming qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a frightful state" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI, employed to depict something in a terrible or alarming condition. While relatively rare in overall usage, it finds its primary context in news and media, conveying a neutral yet impactful description of negative situations. When employing this phrase, consider its strong emotional undertones and reserve it for contexts where such intensity is warranted. Alternative phrases like ""a terrible condition"" may offer a suitable substitute, depending on the desired level of formality and emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a terrible condition

Emphasizes the severity and negativity of the state, similar to "a frightful state" but with a more common and direct tone.

a dreadful situation

Focuses on the problematic and unpleasant aspects of the situation, comparable to "a frightful state" but highlighting the circumstances rather than the inherent quality.

an appalling mess

Highlights the disarray and disorder, suggesting a state of chaos and confusion that is distressing or unacceptable.

a shocking condition

Emphasizes the unexpected and disturbing nature of the condition, similar to the element of surprise or alarm in "a frightful state".

an awful predicament

Focuses on the difficulty and unpleasantness of the situation, emphasizing the negative consequences or challenges involved.

a dire situation

Highlights the urgency and severity of the circumstances, suggesting a critical or dangerous state.

a deplorable state

Emphasizes the reprehensible and unacceptable nature of the condition, suggesting moral disapproval or condemnation.

a distressing situation

Focuses on the emotional impact and the capacity to cause worry or sadness, aligning with the negative feelings associated with "a frightful state".

a calamitous state

Emphasizes the disastrous and unfortunate nature of the condition, indicating a severe and widespread negative impact.

a harrowing plight

Highlights the suffering and hardship experienced, suggesting a difficult and distressing situation.

FAQs

What does "a frightful state" mean?

The phrase "a frightful state" describes something that is in a terrible, alarming, or distressing condition. It suggests a situation that is extremely unpleasant or worrying.

How can I use "a frightful state" in a sentence?

You can use "a frightful state" to describe various situations. For example, you might say, "After the hurricane, the city was in "a terrible condition"", which means it was severely damaged and distressing to see.

What are some alternatives to "a frightful state"?

Alternatives to "a frightful state" include "a terrible condition", "a dreadful situation", or "an appalling mess". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a frightful state" a formal or informal expression?

"A frightful state" is somewhat formal and intense. In more casual contexts, phrases like "a bad way" or "a mess" might be more appropriate.