an appalling number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appalling number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is shockingly bad or unacceptable, often in contexts related to statistics or data. Example: "The report revealed an appalling number of children living in poverty in our city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's an appalling number, but it may actually underestimate the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

If appellant's contention is sound, the government thereby took and became liable to pay for an appalling number of existing contracts for future service or delivery, the performance of which its action made impossible.

Cornell University

As an attorney in the field of workers' compensation, I see an appalling number of cases where nannies are injured, sometimes quite seriously, and the parents discover that they have no insurance coverage to take care of their legal obligations.

The New York Times

This is a film above all about what it is like to take part in combat, though it does not shrink from showing an appalling number of civilian casualties.

The New York Times - Arts

"We have an appalling number of evangelical pastors who will not preach and teach on the issue of interfaith marriage, but who will perform marriages for anyone who comes in," Russell D. Moore, a leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, told me.

The New York Times

Yet in a 2003 survey conducted by a pro-choice group, only 30percentt of women were unambivalently pro-choice, suggesting that there may be an appalling number of women who are willing to deny others the right that they once freely exercised themselves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In fact, one in five wills drawn up in this country is believed to be deficient in some way, a truly appalling number.

Independent

This is an appalling figure.

Stanford University

He risks his own life to perform lifesaving medical work and provide a sanctuary for the appalling number of women and girls in the eastern DRC who have been the target of such crimes.

Huffington Post

The sour expressions worn by players and Coach Bruce Boudreau after the Ducks had lost three straight games in regulation for the first time this season stemmed from another appalling number, in a category that goes to the composition and heart of their team.

Los Angeles Times

In Egypt, conservative Islamists blame not men, but women themselves, for the appalling number of sexual attacks and gang rapes at Tahrir Square in Cairo, as The New York Times reported.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an appalling number" to emphasize the severity or unacceptability of a statistic or quantity. For example, "An appalling number of students are dropping out of school each year."

Common error

While "an appalling number" is acceptable in news and formal writing, consider using less dramatic phrasing like "a large number" in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appalling number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It is used to express the speaker's or writer's strong disapproval or dismay regarding the size or quantity of something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an appalling number" is a phrase used to express strong disapproval or dismay regarding a quantity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using the phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure that the strong negative connotation is appropriate. Alternatives like "a shockingly high figure" or "a disturbingly large quantity" can be used depending on the context. While a common phrase, avoid overuse in informal conversation, where a more neutral phrase might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shockingly high figure

Replaces "appalling number" with a more direct description of the quantity's impact.

a disturbingly large quantity

Emphasizes the troubling aspect of the amount.

an unacceptably high count

Highlights the unacceptable nature of the quantity.

a frighteningly great amount

Conveys the alarming nature of the quantity.

a dreadfully high total

Uses "dreadfully" to amplify the negative connotation.

an alarmingly large sum

Highlights the alarming nature of a large total.

a regrettably high incidence

Focuses on the unfortunate occurrence of a high number of instances.

a lamentably large proportion

Expresses sorrow over the significant fraction.

an outrageously high degree

Highlights the extreme and unacceptable level.

a scandalously large volume

Focuses on the disgraceful nature of the ample quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "an appalling number" in a sentence?

Use "an appalling number" to describe a quantity that is shockingly bad or unacceptable. For instance, "The report revealed "an appalling number" of safety violations at the factory."

What are some alternatives to saying "an appalling number"?

You can use alternatives such as "a shockingly high figure", "a disturbingly large quantity", or "an unacceptably high count" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "an appalling number" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "an appalling number" carries a strong negative connotation. Consider the tone and audience of your writing to determine if a more neutral phrase like "a significant number" would be more suitable.

What makes "an appalling number" different from "a large number"?

"A large number" simply indicates quantity, whereas "an appalling number" emphasizes that the quantity is shockingly bad or unacceptable. The term "appalling" adds a layer of emotional impact.