a ghastly view

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ghastly view" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sight that is horrifying or extremely unpleasant, often evoking feelings of fear or disgust. Example: "As we reached the cliff's edge, we were met with a ghastly view of the wreckage below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a ghastly sight.

Vice

"Whatever ghastly views he might sometimes have expressed about Jews, revolution, Germany etc etc", Wilson says the author of Siegfried was fundamentally "a free creative spirit".

The Guardian - Books

For the prince, this opens a ghastly personal vista.

The Guardian - Opinion

The whole thing works best when viewed as a ghastly, frozen tableaux of the damned.

The Guardian - Film

This route had a clear view of the Manhattan skyline, a ghastly caricature of its former glory.

Critical Care

Schopenhauer viewed "the whole human project as a ghastly mistake that should have been called off long ago".

The Guardian - Books

In a ghastly way, those Soviet pseudo-scientists might have been right: viewed from the perspective of a normal person, such an individual would have to be a little sick in the head.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some were old-school socialists and trades unionists, who viewed the European Economic Community, as it was then called, as a ghastly bosses' plot.

The New Yorker

What a ghastly waste.

Independent

"This is a ghastly, ghastly campaign," Woods said.

The Guardian

It was a ghastly place.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a ghastly view" when you want to emphasize the shocking, horrifying, or deeply unpleasant nature of what is being seen. Consider the emotional impact you want to create.

Common error

Avoid using "a ghastly view" to describe something only slightly unpleasant. This phrase is best reserved for truly awful or horrifying sights. Consider using alternatives like "unpleasant sight" or "disagreeable view" for milder situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a ghastly view" is to act as a noun phrase, where "ghastly" modifies the noun "view". It functions to describe a scene that evokes horror or disgust.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a ghastly view" is a noun phrase used to describe something extremely unpleasant or horrifying. While grammatically correct, it is not a frequently used expression according to Ludwig. Its primary function is to convey a strong negative emotional response to a visual experience. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the intensity of the situation and avoid overuse in mild contexts. Consider the context and choose the best term from the options available to achieve the desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dreadful sight

Replaces "ghastly" with "dreadful", softening the intensity of the unpleasantness.

a horrifying spectacle

Emphasizes the shocking and disturbing nature of the scene.

an appalling scene

Highlights the disgust and revulsion evoked by the sight.

a gruesome image

Focuses on the graphic and unpleasant details of the visual.

a sickening vista

Emphasizes the nauseating effect of the view.

a bleak outlook

Shifts the focus to a depressing or hopeless future prospect suggested by the view.

a grim landscape

Highlights the desolate and unwelcoming nature of the scenery.

a disturbing panorama

Suggests a wide, unsettling visual experience.

a repulsive scene

Emphasizes the feeling of strong dislike or aversion.

a macabre tableau

Implies a stylized, death-related and unsettling arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "a ghastly view" in a sentence?

You can use "a ghastly view" to describe something extremely unpleasant or horrifying that is being observed. For example: "As we reached the cliff's edge, we were met with a ghastly view of the wreckage below."

What can I say instead of "a ghastly view"?

You can use alternatives like "a dreadful sight", "a horrifying spectacle", or "an appalling scene" depending on the context.

Is "ghastly" always negative?

Yes, "ghastly" generally carries a negative connotation, implying something extremely unpleasant, shocking, or horrifying. It's typically used to describe something undesirable or frightening.

What's the difference between "a ghastly view" and "a breathtaking view"?

"A ghastly view" describes something extremely unpleasant and horrifying, while "a breathtaking view" describes something beautiful and awe-inspiring. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the spectrum of visual experiences.