a string of atrocities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of atrocities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of horrific events or actions that have occurred in succession. Example: "The report detailed a string of atrocities committed during the conflict, shocking the international community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

For many Iraqis, Abu Ghraib was the first event in a string of atrocities committed against them by the Americans.

The New York Times

It was the latest in a string of atrocities involving civilians to be blamed on the Saudis.

The Guardian

At the same time, the defense also sought to dispel the image of the girl's life in the apartment as a string of atrocities in a "house of horrors," as the defense has labeled the prosecution's portrayal.

The New York Times

While the country has suffered a string of atrocities by the Somalia-based al-Shabaab militant group, most of Kenya does not resemble the parts of the world where terror attacks are commonplace, stressed Kenya's active Twitter community.

The Guardian

The 33rd's Colonel Konrad is Walker's idol, and he must quickly grapple with his fear that Konrad is responsible for a string of atrocities that are soon uncovered in the ruined metropolis.

The Guardian - Tech

ONE of Africa's most bloodstained former leaders, Hissène Habré, is likely to be formally charged in the next few days by a special African court with having committed a string of atrocities when he was president of Chad from 1982-1990.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

To America, it is yet another horrific mass gun shooting in a string of such atrocities in recent years.

Huffington Post

The attack drew widespread condemnation and was the latest in a string of alleged atrocities that saw Russia voted off the United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday.

Vice

The Shabaab's Westgate attack is but the latest of a lengthening string of atrocities by Islamist extremists.

The New Yorker

The crossovers are evident in a string of Islamist-inspired terror atrocities from Mohamed Merah's gun attacks in south-western France in 2012, to Nemmouche, to the January attacks in Paris by the Kouachi brothers and Coulibaly.

The Guardian

VICE Canada has recently learned Academi, the latest iteration of the private defense contractor linked with a string of war crimes and atrocities in Iraq, is still training Canadian soldiers from the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM a wing of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) overseeing all commando operators.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a string of atrocities" when you want to emphasize a connected sequence of horrific events, rather than isolated incidents. This highlights a pattern or ongoing problem.

Common error

Avoid using "a string of atrocities" in everyday conversations or informal writing. This phrase carries a strong emotional weight and is best reserved for serious and significant situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of atrocities" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically correct and usable in written English. It describes a series of horrific events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a string of atrocities" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict a series of horrific acts, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a strong emotional weight, making it suitable for serious discussions but not casual conversation. While "a series of atrocities" is a very close synonym, "a string of atrocities" emphasizes the connected sequence of events. When writing, remember to use it when highlighting a pattern of ongoing brutality. Also, consider alternatives like "a series of outrages" or "a chain of horrors" for variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of outrages

Replaces "atrocities" with a more general term for shocking acts, potentially lessening the severity.

a chain of horrors

Emphasizes the terrifying nature of the events, focusing on their emotional impact.

a succession of barbarities

Highlights the uncivilized and brutal nature of the actions.

a litany of abuses

Focuses on the violation of rights and ethical standards.

a catalog of inhumane acts

Presents the events as a comprehensive list of cruel behaviors.

a history of depravity

Highlights the moral corruption behind the actions, emphasizing a longer pattern.

a cycle of violence

Shifts focus to the recurring nature of the violent events, indicating a pattern of repetition.

an epidemic of offenses

Suggests a widespread occurrence of harmful actions, resembling a disease outbreak.

a reign of terror

Implies a period dominated by fear and violence, emphasizing the control exerted through these actions.

a parade of violations

Highlights the continuous and blatant disregard for rules and norms.

FAQs

How can I use "a string of atrocities" in a sentence?

You can use "a string of atrocities" to describe a series of terrible events, for example: "The investigation revealed "a string of atrocities" committed during the war."

What is a less formal way to say "a string of atrocities"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a series of bad events" or "a bunch of terrible incidents" as less formal alternatives.

Is there a difference between "a string of atrocities" and "a series of atrocities"?

While similar, "a string of atrocities" emphasizes a connected sequence, whereas "a series of atrocities" simply indicates multiple occurrences.

What words are similar to "atrocities"?

Similar words include "horrors", "barbarities", "abuses", and "depravities".