a mess that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mess that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is chaotic or disorganized, often followed by an explanation or elaboration of what the mess entails. Example: "The project turned into a mess that no one could manage effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What a mess that would be.

The New York Times

(What a mess that would make).

The New York Times - Books

(See my earlier post on what a mess that is).

The New Yorker

A quick glance back at "long-termist" nationalised industries shows what a mess that leads too.

The Economist

In fact, if you see a mess that isn't yours, please clean it up - this makes it nicer for everyone.

Stanford University

I still think Jones' campaign was a mess that disrespected the Black community.

The Washington Post

It is a precarious position, a mess, that surely cannot change as long as Cameron endures.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a mess that persuaded many scientists to avoid the field altogether.

The New York Times

Now one decision has morphed into a mess that continues to rankle him.

The New York Times - Sports

The lost cause of Vietnam was a mess that was winding down.

The Guardian - Opinion

The country is now entering a mess that bears his mark.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mess that" to describe situations where disorganization or chaos leads to negative consequences. Ensure the context clearly identifies the specific issue or problem associated with the "mess".

Common error

Don't use "a mess that" without specifying what constitutes the mess. Provide enough context to make the problem clear to the reader; otherwise, the phrase becomes too vague and loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mess that" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It describes a particular noun (situation, event, etc.) by characterizing it as being in a state of disarray or disorder. Ludwig shows it is often followed by a clause that explains or specifies the nature of the mess.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mess that" is a common phrase used to describe situations characterized by disorganization and chaos, often leading to negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, especially in news and media. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to provide specific details about the nature of the mess. Alternatives like ""a chaotic situation"" or ""a problematic affair"" can be used for variety, depending on the desired emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context to avoid vagueness and clearly communicate the implications of the described mess.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chaotic situation

Replaces "mess" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing disorder.

a troubled situation

Highlights the presence of problems or difficulties.

a problematic affair

Substitutes "mess" with "affair", highlighting the troublesome nature of the situation.

an unholy disaster

Emphasizes the negative and catastrophic nature of the situation.

a state of disarray

Emphasizes the lack of order and organization.

a disorganized state

Focuses on the lack of order, using "state" instead of "mess".

a complicated issue

Highlights the complexity of the subject.

a tangled web

Uses a metaphor to describe the complexity and confusion of the situation.

a botched attempt

Focuses on failure and poor execution.

a difficult predicament

Emphasizes the challenging aspect of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a mess that" in a sentence?

You can use "a mess that" to describe a situation that is disorganized or problematic, such as "The project became "a mess that" no one could control".

What are some alternatives to "a mess that"?

Alternatives include "a chaotic situation", "a problematic affair", or "a disorganized state", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a mess that" or "a situation that"?

"A mess that" implies a negative and chaotic condition, while "a situation that" is more neutral. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific context and your intended tone. Using "a situation that" could be a good fit if you do not want to sound negative.

What makes "a mess that" different from "a problem that"?

"A mess that" suggests disorganization and chaos, while "a problem that" refers to a specific issue needing resolution. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the disarray or the problematic aspect. Using "a problem that" put more emphasis on the resolution aspect.