a terrible vision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible vision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a frightening or disturbing mental image or idea, often in a literary or metaphorical context. Example: "As she closed her eyes, a terrible vision of the future filled her mind, leaving her breathless with fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It was a terrible vision, a carpet of human bodies," one officer told France Bleu radio.

The Guardian

I had a terrible vision of Clara caught inside the shot with them, her eyes turning from brown to umber to the deathlessly sparkling gold.

The New Yorker

It is a terrible vision of London as a kind of emotional wasteland, a world of single people in single flats, living quiet, unhappy lives: like Schrödinger's cat, they could as well be alive or dead.

The Guardian - Film

Like a shard raised from the windows of this summer and made permanent, the tower that now dominates the capital's skyline is a terrible vision of the future we have been building.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is no such wording in the document and Afghan officials admit privately that any appeal to international law on the issue would fail.Were it to be realised by other means "Greater Pushtunistan", in its most extravagant form, envisions a state that would take in southern Afghanistan and much of western Pakistan: a terrible vision for the government in Islamabad.

The Economist

It's a terrible vision... Errrr.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Later, Romanesque artists produced a more terrible vision of the Last Judgment: Christ is shown as a stern judge, sometimes carrying a sword and surrounded by the four mystical beasts eagle, lion, ox, and winged man of the apocalypse; the contrast between paradise and hell is between the awesome and the ferocious.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

Independent

Most potently of all, it can be glimpsed as a dark and terrible vision in Leonardo's surviving sketches and designs.

The Guardian - Arts

It was quite an achievement for someone who as a young boy was afflicted with terrible vision problems.

The New York Times

In February 1958, Albee sat down at a stolen typewriter; two days before his birthday he had finished a short play about an encounter between two strangers in Central Park, a terrible, moving vision of urban loneliness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a terrible vision" to evoke a strong sense of dread or foreboding, particularly when describing a potential future or a deeply unsettling idea.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible vision" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more appropriate phrases like "a bad situation" or "a worrying thought" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible vision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a mental image or idea that evokes fear, dread, or strong disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible vision" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that conveys a strong sense of dread or foreboding. As Ludwig AI points out, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, used to express alarm or intense negativity. While the phrase is appropriate for formal writing, it is recommended to avoid it in casual conversation. Semantically related alternatives include "a horrifying sight" or "a dreadful prospect". Be mindful of overusing this phrase to maintain its impact and avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a horrifying sight

Focuses on the visual aspect and evokes strong fear or disgust; more direct and less metaphorical than "a terrible vision".

a dreadful prospect

Shifts the focus to a future possibility that is deeply unpleasant or frightening; emphasizes anticipation of something bad.

an appalling scene

Highlights the shock and disgust caused by a particular event or situation; often used to describe something witnessed.

a grim outlook

Conveys a pessimistic view of the future, suggesting that things are likely to worsen; less immediate and more general than "a terrible vision".

a bleak scenario

Emphasizes the lack of hope or positive elements in a possible future situation; more detached and analytical.

a disturbing image

Focuses on the unsettling nature of a mental picture or representation; less intense than "a terrible vision" but still unpleasant.

a nightmarish concept

Implies that an idea or thought is as frightening and unreal as a nightmare; highlights the irrationality of the fear.

an awful premonition

Suggests a feeling that something bad is going to happen; emphasizes intuition and foreboding.

a chilling thought

Highlights the fear and dread induced by a specific idea; emphasizes the intellectual or cognitive aspect of the fear.

an ominous feeling

Conveys a sense that something bad is about to occur, often without a clear reason; more vague and general than "a terrible vision".

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrible vision" to describe something frightening or disturbing that one imagines or foresees. For example, "The politician painted "a terrible vision" of the country's future if his opponent won the election".

What are some synonyms for "a terrible vision"?

Alternatives to "a terrible vision" include "a horrifying sight", "a dreadful prospect", or "an appalling scene". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a terrible vision" in formal writing?

Yes, "a terrible vision" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing something serious or deeply concerning. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your writing. Consider alternatives if a less dramatic expression suits the context better.

What's the difference between "a terrible vision" and "a bad dream"?

"A bad dream" refers specifically to an unpleasant experience during sleep. "A terrible vision", on the other hand, describes a waking thought, idea, or prediction that is frightening or disturbing. It doesn't need to be something happening while someone is sleeping.