a tragedy for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tragedy for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that an event or situation has caused great sorrow or distress to someone or a group. Example: "The sudden loss of the beloved community leader was a tragedy for the entire town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a tragedy for Albanians.

The Economist

"It is a tragedy for the country".

The New York Times

It was a tragedy for the city".

The New Yorker

A tragedy for Hughes family & Sean Abbott".

Independent

It's a tragedy for her".

The New York Times

"What a tragedy for them".

The Guardian - Arts

It was a tragedy for Ryan's family.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a tragedy for Zach's family".

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is a tragedy for us".

The New York Times

It's a tragedy for his current family.

The Guardian

That would be a tragedy for music.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tragedy for" to express the impact of an event or situation on a specific group or entity. Be clear about who is affected and why.

Common error

Avoid using "a tragedy for" in situations that are merely inconvenient or disappointing. Reserve it for events of genuine significance and widespread negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tragedy for" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun and expressing that something is deeply unfortunate or calamitous for a specific entity. This is based on Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tragedy for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that an event or situation is deeply unfortunate and has caused great sorrow or distress to a specific group or entity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and considered appropriate in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources. While "a tragedy for" is a powerful phrase, it should be used judiciously and reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression. When in doubt, consider using alternatives such as "a loss for" or "a misfortune for" for less severe situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a misfortune for

Replaces "tragedy" with a less intense term, indicating bad luck or an unfortunate event.

a loss for

Focuses on the sense of deprivation or something missing due to an event.

a calamity for

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of an event, suggesting widespread damage or suffering.

a disaster for

Highlights the severe negative consequences and disruptive impact of an event.

a setback for

Indicates a hindrance or delay in progress, often used in a less severe context than "tragedy".

a blow to

Suggests a sudden and negative impact, often affecting morale or confidence.

a heartbreak for

Focuses on the emotional distress and sorrow caused by an event, particularly for individuals.

a grave matter for

Highlights the serious and concerning nature of a situation, requiring careful attention.

an unfortunate event for

Downplays the severity compared to "tragedy", presenting the situation as regrettable but perhaps less catastrophic.

a regrettable incident for

Similar to "an unfortunate event", this phrase softens the impact, emphasizing regret rather than profound loss.

FAQs

How can I use "a tragedy for" in a sentence?

Use "a tragedy for" to describe an event that causes significant suffering or loss for a particular group or entity. For example, "The factory closure was "a tragedy for" the town's economy".

What are some alternatives to "a tragedy for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a loss for", "a misfortune for", or "a disaster for".

When is it appropriate to use "a tragedy for"?

It's appropriate to use "a tragedy for" when describing events that cause substantial harm, suffering, or loss, especially affecting a community or group.

Is "a tragedy for" too strong in certain contexts?

Yes, it can be too strong for minor inconveniences or disappointments. Consider using milder alternatives like "a setback for" or "an unfortunate event for" in less severe situations.