a terrible example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible example of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a poor or negative illustration of a particular concept or standard. Example: "The recent decision made by the committee is a terrible example of poor leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

If so, Shahzad's death would be not just a terrible example of Pakistani state brutality; it would be a terrible example of the collateral damage sustained in America's war on terror.

The New Yorker

It was, most thought, a terrible example of raw, male political ambition, and damaging to the Tory party.

The Guardian

As it happens, that festive meal is, to my mind, a terrible example of how to put a roast together.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said it was a "terrible example of secret justice" and astonishing that neither he nor Rennard had been allowed to see the independent report.

The Guardian

She thinks that this is a "terrible example" of the pedagogical methods of the photographers Bernd and Hilla Becher, and calls it one of the decisive moments of her interview with Struth.

The New Yorker

Bennett L. Gershman, a former prosecutor at the Manhattan D.A.'s office who is now a professor at Pace Law School, told me, "This case just involved a terrible example of poor judgment by the prosecutor".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But Heyman said he was simply fulfilling his role as a journalist and feels that his arrest sets a "terrible example" for members of the press seeking answers to questions.

The Washington Post

That sets a terrible example for the rest of the world, says Gary Hufbauer of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a think-tank.Republicans also worry that the bill marks the start of a big expansion of government.

The Economist

The CPJ added that the Justice Department had "set a terrible example for the rest of the world, where governments routinely justify intervention in the media by citing national security".

Huffington Post

When those women travel together to exotic, tropical destinations, they behave like trash and they're setting a terrible example for the rest of the ladies out there watching.

Huffington Post

"The use of smokeless tobacco in baseball, at any level and in any location, sets a terrible example for the millions of young people who watch the game and far too often see their favorite players using snuff, dip or chew," Thurmond said in a press release issued by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrible example of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what standard or ideal is being violated. This provides a stronger and more precise critique.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "a terrible example of" without providing specific reasons or evidence to support the claim. Back up your assertion with concrete details to make the criticism more impactful and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible example of" functions as a descriptor, characterizing something as a notably poor instance of a particular category or standard. This serves to negatively evaluate the subject, aligning with Ludwig's confirmation of its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible example of" is a common phrase used to express strong disapproval of something that poorly represents a particular standard or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While prevalent in News & Media, it's important to provide concrete evidence when using this phrase, particularly in formal contexts, to avoid being overly subjective. Alternatives such as "a shocking instance of" or "a poor illustration of" can offer different nuances. When writing use case to illustrate the point in a more impactful and credible way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shocking instance of

Replaces "terrible" with "shocking" and "example" with "instance", highlighting the surprising and disturbing nature of the situation.

a dreadful demonstration of

Substitutes "terrible" with "dreadful" and "example" with "demonstration", emphasizing the extremely unpleasant and illustrative aspect.

an awful display of

Replaces "terrible" with "awful" and "example" with "display", focusing on the unpleasantness and visibility of the situation.

a poor illustration of

Replaces "terrible" with "poor" and "example" with "illustration", offering a more neutral tone that highlights the inadequacy.

a lamentable case of

Substitutes "terrible" with "lamentable" and "example" with "case", expressing regret and emphasizing the specific instance.

a regrettable instance of

Replaces "terrible" with "regrettable" and "example" with "instance", emphasizing the feeling of disappointment and the specific occurrence.

a pathetic representation of

Substitutes "terrible" with "pathetic" and "example" with "representation", highlighting the inadequacy and poor quality.

a sorry exhibition of

Replaces "terrible" with "sorry" and "example" with "exhibition", conveying a sense of pity and emphasizing the display of something negative.

a woeful depiction of

Substitutes "terrible" with "woeful" and "example" with "depiction", indicating deep sorrow and emphasizing the way something is portrayed.

a grim portrayal of

Replaces "terrible" with "grim" and "example" with "portrayal", highlighting the bleak and unflattering nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a terrible example of" in a sentence?

You can use "a terrible example of" to describe something that poorly represents a concept, standard, or ideal. For instance, "The company's handling of the crisis was "a terrible example of" crisis management".

What are some alternatives to saying "a terrible example of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a poor illustration of", "a shocking instance of", or "an awful display of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a terrible example of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a terrible example of" can sound subjective. In formal writing, consider using more objective alternatives or providing specific details to support your claim.

What makes something "a terrible example of" something else?

Something is "a terrible example of" something else when it significantly deviates from the expected or desired standard, often leading to negative consequences or outcomes.