a level of vitriol

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a level of vitriol" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the intensity or degree of bitterness, hostility, or harshness in someone's words or actions. Example: "The debate quickly escalated, revealing a level of vitriol that shocked the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A level of vitriol that seems over and above that normally directed towards more archetypal politicians who leave their spouses and shack up with an exciting new partner.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Sainsbury's ad last December brought "a level of vitriol that was overwhelming … It was well reported that my predecessor Jamie Oliver was on around half a million to a million a year from them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Blogs can feel quite personal things, and there is a level of vitriol against women on the web, so that it's good to build a supportive audience who might be feisty but they'll be there for you".

The Guardian

Rather, this was a convention that presented a level of vitriol, hatred, intolerance and division that we have not seen in a long time.

Huffington Post

Bill, playing bad cop, spewed nonsense to and for his rabid viewers with a level of vitriol guaranteed to allow good cop Paul to sound positively reasonable in contrast.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We are seeing a level of racial vitriol unlike any that's been on public display at the highest levels of politics in this country in decades.

Huffington Post

Writing about the Women of the One (Percent), I found that they are subject to a level of hostility, vitriol and resentment I hadn't imagined.

Huffington Post

"Jim wants to destroy rather than reform, and I'm arguing that you need to reform". What's pushed the Costa Mesa battles to a new level of vitriol is a mixture of the city having been "ground zero for Orange County Republicans since forever," Smoller said, and the introduction of "personalities," like Righeimer, whom he called O.C.'s version of the virulently anti-union Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Los Angeles Times

And we are a university building that holds many events, both religious and non-religious, to support the university community". Criticism of the initial decision came from several sources -- including from people and groups with little or no connection to the university -- and carried a high level of vitriol.

Duke University

And it is an achievement that has earned him an unsurpassed level of vitriol.

The Guardian

John Gaunt, of BBC London, told his listeners: ' I hate tennis and I despise Tim Henman.' For someone so inoffensive, Henman and his complex sport invite an unusual level of vitriol.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a level of vitriol", ensure the context clearly illustrates the source and target of the hostility. Provide specific examples to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a level of vitriol" in everyday conversations. It's a strong phrase best reserved for situations where intense hostility or bitterness is evident, not minor disagreements.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It quantifies the intensity of the vitriol present in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing intensity of bitterness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a level of vitriol" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the intensity of bitterness or hostility in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness. Primarily found in News & Media, it objectively conveys the degree of animosity present. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure the context clearly supports the claim of intense hostility and avoid using it in casual or everyday scenarios. Alternatives like "a degree of animosity" or "a measure of bitterness" can be considered for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a degree of animosity

Replaces "vitriol" with a more general term for strong dislike or hostility; maintains a similar level of formality.

a measure of bitterness

Substitutes "vitriol" with "bitterness", emphasizing the resentful aspect of the feeling.

an extent of hostility

Uses "hostility" to capture the aggressive and antagonistic nature of the sentiment, slightly more formal.

a quantity of venom

Replaces "vitriol" with "venom", highlighting the poisonous or malicious intent behind the words or actions.

a surge of malice

Focuses on the sudden outburst of ill will or spite, adding a dynamic element.

an outpouring of hatred

Emphasizes the expression of intense dislike and animosity; can be used when the sentiment is publicly displayed.

a wave of resentment

Highlights the underlying feeling of bitterness and indignation that fuels the vitriol.

a torrent of abuse

Shifts the focus to the verbal aggression and mistreatment that constitutes the vitriol.

a storm of invective

Uses "invective" to describe the insulting or abusive language used, suggesting a more formal or literary context.

a flood of acrimony

Replaces "vitriol" with "acrimony", emphasizing the sharpness and bitterness in the interaction or discourse.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a level of vitriol" in a sentence?

Use "a level of vitriol" to describe situations with intense bitterness or hostility. For example, "The debate displayed "a level of vitriol" rarely seen in political discourse".

What are some alternatives to "a level of vitriol"?

Consider using alternatives like "a degree of animosity", "a measure of bitterness", or "an extent of hostility" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a level of vitriol" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a level of vitriol" is suitable for formal writing when describing situations involving significant animosity or bitterness. However, ensure the tone of your writing remains objective and supported by evidence.

What distinguishes "a level of vitriol" from simply saying "anger" or "disagreement"?

"A level of vitriol" implies a deeper, more malicious form of hostility than simple anger or disagreement. It suggests a poisonous or corrosive quality in the expression of negative feelings.