appalling atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appalling atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or environment that is extremely unpleasant or shocking. Example: "The appalling atmosphere in the abandoned building made everyone feel uneasy and anxious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ed Miliband says that the predominance of male MPs contributes to an "appalling" atmosphere; certainly, they seem to trade a lot of insults.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The atmosphere is appalling," one journalist says.

The Guardian

That bizarre universe, featuring the Checkered Demon, maniacal motorcycle gangs, and a seemingly endless parade of anatomically appalling pirates, created an atmosphere of cheerful depravity that I wanted permeating every detail of Homer's cellblock lifestyle.

Huffington Post

Holding thousands of vulnerable people on Lesbos in appalling conditions with no knowledge of their fate inevitably creates an incendiary atmosphere of fear and despondency.

The Guardian

Despite an appalling lack of vowels, this Adriatic island has a wealth of pebbly beaches, deep blue sea, low-key atmosphere and small-scale affordable lodgings.

Los Angeles Times

It's appalling — appalling.

The New York Times

For all the unnerving aspects of this appalling story, there's a certain morbid pleasure to be had from its claustrophobic ­atmosphere.

The New York Times - Books

Quite appalling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Appalling news.

The Guardian

Or appalling?

The New York Times - Magazine

Appalling stuff.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "appalling atmosphere", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the atmosphere so negative. Provide specific details to enhance the impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "appalling atmosphere" as a generic negative descriptor. Instead, provide details about the specific elements contributing to the unpleasant atmosphere, such as oppressive heat, pervasive smells, or stifling tension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appalling atmosphere" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'appalling' modifies 'atmosphere'. According to Ludwig, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. The adjective intensifies the noun, creating a vivid description.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appalling atmosphere" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing an extremely unpleasant or shocking environment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples mainly from News & Media sources. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is effective in conveying a strong negative sentiment. To maximize its impact, provide specific contextual details. Alternatives include "dreadful ambiance" or "horrific environment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dreadful ambiance

Replaces 'atmosphere' with 'ambiance' to focus on the feeling or mood of the environment, while 'dreadful' maintains the negative connotation.

horrific environment

Substitutes 'atmosphere' with 'environment' to highlight the physical surroundings, and 'horrific' suggests a more intense level of unpleasantness.

awful conditions

Shifts the focus to the state of affairs, emphasizing negative circumstances rather than the overall feeling.

terrible vibe

Uses more informal language to describe a negative feeling or impression, with 'vibe' replacing 'atmosphere'.

ghastly climate

Emphasizes the overall mood or prevailing conditions, implying a sense of gloom and negativity.

deplorable conditions

Focuses on the poor state of something, suggesting neglect or a failure to meet acceptable standards.

atrocious setting

Highlights the unpleasantness of the physical location or surroundings, using 'atrocious' to indicate severe negativity.

offensive air

Emphasizes the unpleasantness or disagreeableness of the atmosphere or environment, suggesting that it is likely to cause offense.

revolting environment

Replaces "appalling" with "revolting", indicating a strong sense of disgust or aversion related to the surroundings.

unpleasant environment

Offers a more general and less intense description of a negative environment.

FAQs

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

Use "appalling atmosphere" to describe a setting or situation that is extremely unpleasant or offensive. For instance, "The abandoned factory had an appalling atmosphere, filled with the stench of decay and lingering shadows."

What are some alternatives to "appalling atmosphere"?

You could use phrases such as "dreadful ambiance", "horrific environment", or "awful conditions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "appalling atmosphere" formal or informal?

"Appalling atmosphere" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards a more descriptive and evocative style, making it effective in narrative or expressive writing.

What makes "appalling atmosphere" a strong descriptive phrase?

The strength of "appalling atmosphere" lies in its ability to immediately convey a sense of extreme unpleasantness or dread. The word "appalling" amplifies the impact of the noun "atmosphere", creating a vivid and memorable impression.