a gruesome image

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gruesome image" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a visual representation that is shocking, horrifying, or disturbing in nature. Example: "The horror film was filled with a gruesome image of the monster lurking in the shadows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It is a gruesome image," Mr. Lynch said.

The New York Times

In 1990, a horrendous accident by Martin Donnelly during practice led to a gruesome image of the Irish driver crumbled up in a ball in the middle of the track with multiple fractures.

The New York Times - Sports

Above the words are pictures of dead soldiers, killed during Israel's 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon, including a gruesome image of the severed head of a commando who died in a failed raid.

The New York Times

Not for nothing did the Sun paint a gruesome image of a "Six Edded Beast" including Gerry Adams, union boss Len McCluskey and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to terrify its readers on Wednesday.

The Guardian

The villagers were forced to abandon the bodies of the teenage boys and the baby, and when rescue workers arrived 11 days later, the baby's body had been eaten by dogs, her legs two white bones, captured in a gruesome image on a relative's cellphone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They were among the very few exceptions to an event that brought a wonderfully gruesome image to mind.

Vice

Briggs, the Oxford sociologist, described the use of fire in a suicidal protest as "media friendly" on the grounds that "it provides a terrible, gruesome image, but not one that is too gruesome to be shown on television or in a newspaper".

Huffington Post

Palmyra-based activists circulated an unverified, gruesome image on social media of Asaad's beheaded body, tied to a pole on a street in the city.

The Guardian

While supporters of the band condemned that crime, state media reports gave the gruesome image a lot of attention and the Russian news agency Interfax asked Mr. Tsorionov, the Orthodox activist, for his response.

The New York Times

During the Tet offensive, in early 1968, the A.P. photographer Eddie Adams snapped the gruesome image of a captured enemy insurgent being shot in the head, point blank, by the South Vietnamese Gen. Nguyen Ngoc Loan, who explained, "They killed many of my people, and yours, too".

The New York Times - Arts

Or some gruesome image, like on a cigarette packet.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a less graphic description would be more appropriate for your audience. Sometimes, subtlety can be more impactful than explicit imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "a gruesome image" gratuitously. Overusing such strong language can desensitize your audience and diminish the impact of genuinely horrifying visuals. Ensure the phrase is justified by the actual content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gruesome image" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a sentence or clause. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly describes something visually shocking or horrifying, serving to evoke a strong emotional response in the reader or viewer.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a gruesome image" is a noun phrase used to describe visuals that are shocking, horrifying, or disturbing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. While the phrase is effective in conveying strong emotions, its use requires careful consideration of the audience and context to avoid insensitivity or sensationalism. Alternatives like "a horrifying visual" or "a shocking image" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shocking image

Focuses on the surprise and disbelief caused by the image.

a disturbing visual

Highlights the unsettling and disquieting nature of the image.

a horrifying visual

Emphasizes the emotional impact of fear and dread rather than just the visual aspect.

a graphic depiction

Focuses on the explicitness and realism of the visual.

an appalling sight

Emphasizes the shock and disgust caused by the image.

a ghastly depiction

Focuses on the repulsiveness and shock value of the image.

a revolting picture

Focuses on the disgusting and repulsive nature of the visual.

a sickening sight

Emphasizes the nauseating and unpleasant nature of the visual.

a dreadful spectacle

Emphasizes the negative emotional impact on the viewer.

a macabre scene

Highlights the involvement of death and decay, leaning towards a more morbid interpretation.

FAQs

How can I use "a gruesome image" in a sentence?

You can use "a gruesome image" to describe something visually shocking or horrifying. For example, "The documentary contained "a gruesome image" of the crime scene".

What's the difference between "a gruesome image" and "a disturbing image"?

"A gruesome image" typically implies graphic violence or death, while "a disturbing image" can refer to something unsettling or psychologically troubling without necessarily being gory.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a gruesome image"?

Alternatives include "a horrifying visual", "a ghastly depiction", or "a macabre scene", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a gruesome image"?

No, it's important to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. Using such strong language can be insensitive or inappropriate in certain contexts. Use discretion and ensure it aligns with your purpose.