a terrible fate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible fate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or unfortunate outcome that someone or something may experience. Example: "The hero faced a terrible fate after making a critical mistake in the battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's a terrible fate".

The New Yorker

I felt that a terrible fate had been reversed.

The New Yorker

It's mostly set on a commuter train bound for Chicago and heading for a terrible fate.

Independent

Her interlocutors all agree that a terrible fate has befallen the family of the bespectacled boy.

The New Yorker

As they arrived, the heavens opened and spared the population a terrible fate.

Independent

This young rhino met a terrible fate, poachers hacking open her face to remove what little remained of her horn.

Columbia University

Hailwood and his team certainly saved Kingston from a terrible fate".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

However limited Akmal Shaikh's mental capacities, the 4kg of heroin that he brought into Urumqi Airport in 2007 means that he faces a truly terrible fate.

Independent

And the narrator must escape and flee her village, move from one world to the next, to find her husband and save her children from a clear, terrible fate.

The New Yorker

This slippage between public scorn and private delusion keeps us interested, wondering what terrible fate will await these sad creatures.

Los Angeles Times

Then, by a strange and terrible fate, death came to her".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrible fate", ensure the context clearly establishes what actions or circumstances lead to this outcome. This adds depth and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible fate" in everyday conversations or informal writing. It's a strong phrase that best suits serious or dramatic scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible fate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As shown by Ludwig, it describes something negative that awaits someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a terrible fate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a negative or unfortunate outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse sources like news, academia, and general knowledge platforms. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where the consequences are significant. Alternatives such as "a grim destiny" or "a tragic end" can provide nuanced variations, but its core function remains consistent: to convey a sense of impending doom or severe misfortune.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grim destiny

Emphasizes the inevitability and somber nature of the outcome.

a tragic end

Highlights the sadness and unfortunate nature of the conclusion.

an awful outcome

Focuses on the unpleasant and undesirable result.

a disastrous consequence

Stresses the severely negative repercussions of an action or event.

a bleak future

Indicates a pessimistic and unfavorable outlook.

a dire situation

Highlights the urgency and severity of the circumstances.

a crushing blow

Emphasizes the devastating impact of an event or piece of news.

an unfortunate circumstance

Downplays the severity while still acknowledging the negative aspect.

a calamitous event

Points out the disastrous and far-reaching effects of an occurrence.

an ill-fated destiny

Suggests that misfortune is predetermined and unavoidable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrible fate" to describe a dire outcome or consequence, as in "The protagonist narrowly avoided "a terrible fate" by making a difficult choice."

What are some alternatives to "a terrible fate"?

Alternatives include "a grim destiny", "a tragic end", or "an awful outcome", each with slightly different connotations.

Is "a terrible fate" too dramatic for everyday writing?

Yes, "a terrible fate" is generally best reserved for situations where the stakes are high and the consequences are severe. Consider less dramatic alternatives for casual contexts.

What kind of scenarios does "a terrible fate" best describe?

"A terrible fate" is suitable for describing situations involving death, severe suffering, or irreversible negative consequences, often in literature, historical accounts, or serious news reports.