a toxic atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a toxic atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an environment that is harmful, negative, or detrimental to individuals' well-being, often in workplaces or social settings. Example: "The constant criticism and lack of support created a toxic atmosphere that affected everyone's morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It was a toxic atmosphere," she said.

University of California, Berkeley

It has created a toxic atmosphere for which the political establishment is now paying the price.

The Guardian - Opinion

In such a toxic atmosphere, rumors about reprisals against French and German companies flare up regularly.

The New York Times

Bacteria ate the oversupply of dead bodies, producing hydrogen sulfide gas, creating a toxic atmosphere.

The Guardian

Global warming, acid oceans, anoxia, not to mention a toxic atmosphere.

The Guardian

The chant is one example of what several gay hockey fans describe as a toxic atmosphere during Rangers games.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

You may land on a barren wasteland with a lethally toxic atmosphere, or an Eden swarming with exotic wildlife – and once the planet is discovered and generated, it is available for all other players to explore.

The Guardian - Tech

Since I came through the door there has been a very toxic atmosphere and you can't be successful with that.

The Guardian - Sport

That more than a dozen cardinals would register a protest to the Pope even before the synod began was bad enough, but that someone would leak it to the press suggests a more toxic atmosphere.

The New Yorker

"There is a very toxic atmosphere between Republican legislators and the Dayton administration on this issue," said Kate Johansen, manager of health policy at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, which wants the state to establish its own exchange.

The New York Times - Health

"Since I came through the door there has been a very toxic atmosphere and you can't be successful with that". It is not known if the match will be replayed at a later date.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a workplace, use "a toxic atmosphere" to highlight issues such as bullying, harassment, or lack of support. This emphasizes the negative impact on employee well-being and productivity.

Common error

Avoid using "a toxic atmosphere" to describe minor disagreements or temporary setbacks. Reserve it for situations where there is a consistent pattern of harmful behavior or a deeply ingrained negative culture.

Linguistic Context

A toxic atmosphere functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a harmful or negative environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and used, indicating its acceptance in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a toxic atmosphere" is a noun phrase used to describe a harmful or negative environment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, supported by numerous examples across diverse sources. Its frequency is considered very common, especially in news and media. When writing, use this phrase to accurately convey the severity of a situation involving consistent harm or negativity. While versatile, avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain its impact. Consider synonyms like ""a harmful environment"" or ""a negative atmosphere"" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a toxic environment

Replaces "atmosphere" with "environment", broadening the scope to include physical and social surroundings.

a harmful environment

Substitutes "toxic" with "harmful", softening the intensity of the negativity.

a poisonous environment

Replaces "toxic" with "poisonous", emphasizing the destructive nature.

a negative atmosphere

Replaces "toxic" with "negative", focusing on the adverse emotional or psychological effects.

a destructive environment

Highlights the capacity of the environment to cause damage.

a hostile atmosphere

Emphasizes the presence of antagonism and conflict within the environment.

a tense atmosphere

Focuses on the feeling of strain and unease within the environment.

a corrupt atmosphere

Suggests moral decay and dishonesty are prevalent.

a difficult environment

Downplays the severity, suggesting challenges rather than outright harm.

a stifling atmosphere

Emphasizes a sense of being restricted or suppressed.

FAQs

How can I use "a toxic atmosphere" in a sentence?

You can use "a toxic atmosphere" to describe a negative or harmful environment, such as "The constant criticism created "a toxic atmosphere" in the office."

What are some synonyms for "a toxic atmosphere"?

Alternatives include "a harmful environment", "a negative atmosphere", or "a poisonous environment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a toxic atmosphere" in formal writing?

Yes, "a toxic atmosphere" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a seriously negative or harmful situation. Be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with the severity of the described environment.

What contributes to creating "a toxic atmosphere"?

Factors contributing to "a toxic atmosphere" can include bullying, harassment, constant criticism, lack of support, and poor management practices.