a total scandal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total scandal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is widely regarded as shocking or disgraceful. Example: "The revelation of the politician's corruption was a total scandal that rocked the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was a Total Scandal.

The Guardian - Sport

"We pay them a lot of money, it's a total scandal, and nobody talks about it," Mr. Nasaw said.

The New York Times

If a prime minister of any Western country said something like this, it would be a total scandal".

The New York Times

"When I performed Like a Virgin on the MTV Awards and my dress went up and my ass was showing, it was considered a total scandal.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In fact, a hundred years ago, at the dawn of the foundation era, they were total scandals.

The New Yorker

The puzzle for economics is why these foundations are not total scandals".

The New Yorker

Roger Bootle, of Capital Economics, said that the level of executive pay is "a total and complete scandal.

The Guardian - Business

The economist Roger Bootle described executive pay as "a total and complete scandal", while Professor David Sims at the Cass Business School said that the current business model was "broken".

The Guardian - Business

With at least six separate inquiries into different aspects of the scandal, and a total of 180 police officers and officials assigned to the work, the overall police operation has been described by senior police officials as the most extensive — and expensive — criminal investigation in Scotland Yard's history.

The New York Times

Hungary's corruption scandal is becoming a total soap opera.

Vice

VW in April took an $18.2-billion 18.2-billionver the chargef toe global scoverl, which includes a theal of 11 million vehicost wofldwide.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a total scandal" when you want to express strong disapproval and highlight the shocking nature of an event or situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is considered scandalous.

Common error

Avoid using "a total scandal" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Reserve it for situations that genuinely involve significant wrongdoing or ethical breaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total scandal" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor for a situation or event. It signifies something that is considered deeply shocking and morally wrong. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a total scandal" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation that is deeply shocking and morally wrong. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, often found in news and media contexts, where it serves to express strong disapproval. While grammatically sound, its use should be reserved for genuinely scandalous situations, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternative phrases include "a complete outrage" and "an utter disgrace". It's crucial to be aware of the emotional weight it carries and ensure its appropriateness for the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete outrage

Emphasizes the feeling of anger and shock caused by the event, focusing on the emotional response.

an utter disgrace

Highlights the shamefulness and dishonorable nature of the situation.

a flagrant abuse

Suggests a blatant and unacceptable misuse of power or privilege.

a shocking injustice

Focuses on the unfair and morally wrong aspect of the event.

a crying shame

Expresses regret and disappointment over a regrettable situation.

a blatant corruption

Highlights the element of dishonesty and moral decay involved.

a serious breach of ethics

Focuses on the violation of professional or moral principles.

a travesty of justice

Emphasizes the distortion and mockery of the legal system.

a moral bankruptcy

Suggests a complete lack of ethical values and principles.

an appalling situation

Underlines the deeply unpleasant and disturbing nature of the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "a total scandal" in a sentence?

You can use "a total scandal" to describe events that cause public outrage due to unethical or illegal behavior. For example: "The politician's corruption was "a total scandal" that led to his resignation."

What are some alternatives to "a total scandal"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a complete outrage", "an utter disgrace", or "a shocking injustice" as alternatives to "a total scandal".

Is it appropriate to use "a total scandal" in formal writing?

While "a total scandal" is understandable, it may be perceived as too emotive for formal writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives such as "a serious breach of ethics" or "a case of corruption" for professional contexts.

What distinguishes "a total scandal" from "a minor controversy"?

"A total scandal" implies widespread condemnation and significant repercussions due to unethical or illegal actions. In contrast, "a minor controversy" suggests a disagreement or dispute that is less serious and doesn't necessarily involve wrongdoing.