appalling scene

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appalling scene" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is shocking, horrifying, or extremely unpleasant. Example: "The documentary revealed an appalling scene of neglect in the orphanage that left viewers in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He called it "an appalling scene".

The New York Times

I opened one of them and read: Dear Mum, That really was an appalling scene at dinner last night...

The New York Times - Magazine

There's one appalling scene in which she must take shopping the wife of a powerful contact she's courting.

The Guardian - Film

It's followed by an excellent, appalling scene in which middle-aged ladies spit at the coach for not letting "our boys" have their rightful rapes.

The Guardian - Opinion

In one funny, appalling scene (a combination Mr. Moodysson excels at), Goren's girlfriend, who is radical chiefly in her narcissism, decides she wants to have sex with Eric.

The New York Times

Mother and son sometimes went without speaking; "Christo" would excoriate her in letters ("Dear Mum, That really was an appalling scene at dinner last night"), which she eventually ceased opening.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The whole country has been shocked by the most appalling scenes of people looting, violence, vandalising and thieving.

The New York Times

And yet despite these appalling scenes, Maiduguri is among the best served places in a region the size of Belgium.

The Guardian

The older generation, without any experience of a drink and drugs culture, had been subjected to appalling scenes.

The Guardian

The whole country has been shocked by the most appalling scenes of people looting, violence, vandalizing and thieving.

The Guardian

I also feel for all those who live in fear because of these appalling scenes that we've seen on the streets of our country.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appalling scene" to vividly describe a situation that is exceptionally disturbing or offensive, enhancing the emotional impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "appalling scene" to describe mildly unpleasant situations. Reserve it for genuinely shocking or horrifying events to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appalling scene" functions as a noun phrase, where "appalling" modifies the noun "scene". It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing something witnessed or observed. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in conveying strong negative reactions to events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appalling scene" is a powerful descriptor used to convey shock, horror, or disgust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various news and media contexts. The phrase is used to evoke strong emotional responses and is most effective when reserved for genuinely disturbing situations. Related phrases, such as "horrific scene" or "dreadful scene", can be used to add nuance. When writing with "appalling scene", it's important to avoid overuse in mild situations and be mindful of the audience to create appropriate impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrific scene

Replaces "appalling" with "horrific", another adjective denoting extreme unpleasantness or shock.

dreadful scene

Substitutes "appalling" with "dreadful", indicating a scene that causes great fear or suffering.

shocking scene

Replaces "appalling" with "shocking", emphasizing the surprise and disturbance caused by the scene.

gruesome scene

Substitutes "appalling" with "gruesome", highlighting the repulsiveness and horror of the scene.

horrible scene

Replaces "appalling" with "horrible", a more general term for something unpleasant or bad.

frightful scene

Substitutes "appalling" with "frightful", focusing on the fear-inducing aspect of the scene.

ghastly scene

Replaces "appalling" with "ghastly", emphasizing the scene's horrifying and death-like qualities.

alarming scene

Substitutes "appalling" with "alarming", indicating a scene that is worrying or disturbing.

distressing scene

Replaces "appalling" with "distressing", focusing on the emotional upset caused by the scene.

unpleasant spectacle

Replaces the entire phrase with a synonym that shifts the focus slightly to the visual aspect of the disturbing event.

FAQs

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

You can use "appalling scene" to describe something shocking or horrifying that one has witnessed. For example, "The documentary revealed an "appalling scene" of neglect in the orphanage."

What are some alternatives to "appalling scene"?

Alternatives include "horrific scene", "dreadful scene", or "shocking scene" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "appalling scene" formal or informal?

"Appalling scene" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's important to consider the audience and the severity of the situation being described. More formal alternatives might include "distressing situation" or "grievous circumstance".

What makes a scene "appalling"?

A scene is "appalling" when it is extremely unpleasant, shocking, or horrifying. It often involves elements of suffering, injustice, or moral offense that deeply disturb those who witness it.