a terrible exposure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible exposure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is subjected to something harmful or revealing, often in a negative context. Example: "The documentary revealed a terrible exposure of the unethical practices within the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a terrible exposure".

The New York Times

There's a terrible exposure in publishing these letters – and one that Iain Maitland understands.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Given the terrible exposures of their abuse of the expenses system, MPs have forfeited the right to decide their own pay and conditions.

The Guardian

Shackleton's men were, in Worsley's words, "a terrible trio of scarecrows", dark with exposure, wind, frostbite and accumulated blubber soot.

Wikipedia

"I thought it was a terrible idea," she said, suggesting that it was too vulnerable to exposure.

The New York Times

What a terrible, terrible, terrible book it is.

The New Yorker

It was a terrible sight, it was a terrible loss".

Independent

"It's terrible policy trapped in a terrible process".

The New York Times

"We went through a terrible, terrible slide," Collins said.

The New York Times - Sports

Obviously, it's a terrible, terrible tragedy.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've had a terrible, terrible start".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrible exposure", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being exposed and why it is considered terrible. Providing specific details will strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible exposure" without specifying what is being exposed. The phrase is most effective when the subject of the exposure is clearly identified, preventing ambiguity and ensuring the reader understands the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible exposure" functions as a noun phrase, where "terrible" modifies the noun "exposure". It signifies a situation where something detrimental or compromising is revealed, causing harm or damage. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible exposure" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a negative revelation or the unveiling of something harmful. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While relatively rare in overall usage, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, specify what is being exposed. Consider alternatives like "a shocking disclosure" or "a grave vulnerability" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dreadful revelation

Replaces "exposure" with "revelation", emphasizing the act of something being revealed, and "terrible" with "dreadful", intensifying the negative aspect.

a shocking disclosure

Uses "disclosure" instead of "exposure", highlighting the act of revealing information, and "shocking" to emphasize the surprise or dismay caused.

a grave vulnerability

Shifts the focus to "vulnerability", indicating a weakness or susceptibility to harm, and uses "grave" to underscore the seriousness of the situation.

an awful predicament

Replaces the exposure with a "predicament", highlighting a difficult or unpleasant situation. "Awful" adds a sense of extreme unpleasantness.

a dire risk

Focuses on the potential danger involved, using "risk" instead of "exposure" and "dire" to emphasize the urgency and severity.

a disastrous unveiling

Emphasizes the public revelation of something harmful or damaging, using "unveiling" to suggest a deliberate or public exposure.

a calamitous situation

Replaces "exposure" with "situation", broadening the scope to encompass a general state of misfortune, and "calamitous" to indicate a disastrous event.

a regrettable incident

Softens the negativity by focusing on an "incident" that is "regrettable", implying a sense of sorrow or remorse.

an unfortunate compromise

Highlights the negative outcome of a compromise, suggesting that something valuable has been lost or damaged as a result.

a damaging compromise

Highlights that something has been compromised, suggesting that something has been damaged

FAQs

What does "a terrible exposure" mean?

The phrase "a terrible exposure" refers to a situation where something negative, damaging, or compromising is revealed or made public, causing harm or distress.

How can I use "a terrible exposure" in a sentence?

You can use "a terrible exposure" to describe the unveiling of unethical practices, vulnerabilities, or scandals. For example: "The investigation revealed "a terrible exposure" of corruption within the organization."

What are some alternatives to "a terrible exposure"?

Alternatives include "a shocking disclosure", "a grave vulnerability", or "a dreadful revelation", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "a terrible exposure" formal or informal?

"A terrible exposure" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for news reporting, analytical writing, or discussions of serious events. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.