a nasty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nasty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something unpleasant or offensive, often in reference to behavior, comments, or situations. Example: "She made a nasty remark that upset everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A nasty swipe?

The New York Times

A nasty business, yes.

The New Yorker

"It's a nasty injury.

Independent

What a nasty business.

The New York Times - Sports

Usually with a nasty thud.

The Economist

SECESSION is a nasty business.

The Economist

It's a nasty old world.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's such a nasty brew".

The New York Times - Sports

This was a nasty time.

Yale University

"A nasty accident," she said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

.You're a nasty-wasty skunk!

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports journalism, apply this phrase to describe exceptionally difficult maneuvers or aggressive physical play.

Common error

Avoid using "a nasty" in formal scientific reports when a more clinical term like "adverse" or "severe" is more appropriate. While grammatically correct, "a nasty" carries a subjective, visceral weight that might clash with objective reporting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nasty" functions as a modifier consisting of an indefinite article and a qualitative adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it primarily serves to heighten the negative attribute of the noun it precedes, whether that noun represents a physical object, a social situation, or a medical condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a nasty" is a versatile and highly effective phrase for emphasizing negative qualities across a wide range of contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it is particularly prevalent in journalism and sports reporting to describe severe injuries, difficult challenges, and unpleasant social interactions. While it is grammatically correct and widely used in respected publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, writers should be mindful of its visceral tone. For formal academic or clinical settings, you might consider more objective synonyms such as "adverse" or "severe". However, for everyday professional and creative writing, it remains a powerful tool for conveying a sharp sense of negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unpleasant

More formal and typically less visceral or intense than the query

a vicious

Suggests a higher degree of violence or intentional malice

a disgusting

Heightens the sense of physical or moral repulsion

a mean

Focuses specifically on cruel behavior or stingy character

a malicious

Explicitly denotes an intention to cause harm

a spiteful

Emphasizes the petty or vengeful nature of an action

a foul

Often refers to physical odors, weather, or violations of rules

an offensive

Used when something violates social, moral, or professional standards

a dirty

Implies a lack of ethics or physical uncleanness

a severe

Preferred in medical or meteorological contexts for intensity

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a nasty" to sound more professional?

You can use more professional alternatives like "an unpleasant", "a severe", or "an unfavorable" depending on the specific situation.

How is "a nasty" used in sports reporting?

It is often used to describe physical accidents, such as "a nasty collision", or a particularly effective move, like "a nasty pitch" in baseball.

Is "a nasty" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a standard English adjective phrase consisting of an indefinite article and an adjective, commonly used to modify nouns to indicate something very unpleasant.

What is the difference between "a nasty" and "a mean"?

While both describe negativity, "a mean" usually focuses on personality or cruelty, whereas "a nasty" can apply to situations, injuries, smells, and broader unpleasantries.