appalling air

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appalling air" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an atmosphere or environment that is shocking, disturbing, or unpleasant, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The appalling air of neglect in the abandoned building was palpable, making it clear that no one had cared for it in years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

2013 also saw China establish carbon trading schemes in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, which may help address appalling air pollution problems.

The Guardian

Finally, the car scrappage scheme is a massive missed opportunity and holds out no hope in helping to tackle London's appalling air quality.

The Guardian

The festival, celebrated throughout the country, has been blamed in recent years for exacerbating the appalling air quality in the Indian capital, already the most-polluted city in the world, according to the World Health Organisation.

The Guardian

China, the biggest importer of coal, is taking action to curb its use in the face of appalling air pollution, and new research concludes that two in every five coal-fired power stations could become stranded assets in next 40 years.

The Guardian

China's top officials were soon drafted into formatting a new position, one that would require limits to greenhouse gas emissions that would also benefit its citizens, suffering from the appalling air quality resulting from untrammelled coal-fired power stations and dirty industry, with new regulations forcing higher standards on all.

The Guardian

(Of necessity: It would be embarrassing if the city's appalling air quality were to affect the health of athletes).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For the film's director, Chris Paine, the evidence is too appalling and our air too dirty for palliatives.

The New York Times

A libertarian world would, in fact, leave us with appalling economic inequality, filthy air and water, regular financial panics and crashes, unsafe work places, and access to adequate education, health care, and economic security for only a privileged minority.

HuffPost

Leningrad put up a desperate and courageous resistance in the face of many assaults, constant artillery and air bombardment, and appalling suffering from shortages of supplies.

Britannica

"It seems every week news reports indicate that London's air quality is appalling, so it seems crazy that the authorities have approved an incinerator that affects the residents of my hometown of Croydon".

BBC

Air pollution has reached appalling levels in China, the world's biggest carbon emitter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing air quality, be specific about the source or cause of the "appalling air" if known, such as industrial pollution or seasonal smog.

Common error

Avoid using "appalling air" in casual conversation; it's generally more appropriate for formal reports, news articles, or serious discussions about environmental issues. Use less dramatic language like "bad air" or "stinky air" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appalling air" functions as a descriptive phrase, where the adjective "appalling" modifies the noun "air". It's used to express that the air is extremely unpleasant or of very poor quality. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English to describe an atmosphere that is shocking, disturbing, or unpleasant.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appalling air" is a phrase used to describe air quality that is extremely bad or unpleasant. Grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to express concern or disapproval about the air's condition. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is appropriate for written English to describe a disturbing atmosphere. While not overly common, understanding its usage and appropriate contexts, such as avoiding it in overly casual conversations, can enhance your writing. Consider related phrases like "terrible air quality" or "noxious air" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible air quality

Replaces "appalling" with "terrible" while keeping the focus on the condition of the air.

dreadful air pollution

Substitutes "appalling" with "dreadful" and focuses on the "pollution" aspect rather than just the air itself.

extremely polluted air

Uses a more direct and descriptive approach by specifying that the air is "extremely polluted".

horrendous atmospheric conditions

Employs more formal language, replacing "air" with "atmospheric conditions" and "appalling" with "horrendous".

unbreathable atmosphere

Highlights the inability to breathe in the air, indicating its poor quality.

noxious air

Replaces "appalling" with "noxious," emphasizing the harmful or poisonous quality of the air.

foul air quality

Uses "foul" to describe the unpleasant nature of the air quality.

unhealthy air

Focuses on the health implications of the poor air quality.

contaminated atmosphere

Highlights the presence of contaminants in the air, making it unsafe.

severely degraded air

Emphasizes the extent to which the air quality has deteriorated.

FAQs

How can I describe the effects of "appalling air" on health?

Instead of just saying "appalling air", elaborate by mentioning respiratory problems, increased asthma rates, or other specific health issues linked to the poor air quality.

What are some formal alternatives to "appalling air"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "severely degraded air quality", "hazardous atmospheric conditions", or "noxious air" to maintain a professional tone.

How to use "appalling air" in a sentence?

You can use "appalling air" to describe the air quality in a specific location or during a certain event. For example, "The city struggled with "appalling air" due to heavy industrial emissions."

What words are similar to "appalling" when describing air quality?

Words such as "terrible", "dreadful", "horrendous", and "noxious" can be used as alternatives to "appalling" when describing air quality.