appalling time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appalling time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is extremely bad or distressing, often in a personal or emotional context. Example: "After the appalling time I had during the storm, I was relieved to finally find shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"But this is the most appalling time for all of us.

The New York Times

What a strange, appalling time to be an American conservative.

Forbes

"I appreciate that the lady in question has been through an appalling time and I wouldn't seek in any way to make that worse, but he is continuing to be the victim of a witch hunt and my own personal belief is that whether or not he is guilty of that crime, he deserves a second chance of playing football".

BBC

What a truly appalling time to be alive.

Vice

In this appalling time, Viktor Frankl reminds us that what we do and how we think about it actually matter.

Huffington Post

"Appalling," Time's television critic, James Poniewozik, tweeted.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But it would be more true to say that the times brought forth the man, and these were appalling times.

The New York Times - Books

These are therefore both exciting and appalling times, if we accept that responsibility for the planet's welfare is devolving to us.

The Guardian - Books

"It is really a shocking reflection of how rape and domestic violence have been handled in this country… we are still seeing these appalling cases, time after time, where actually the victim is turned into a suspect," she said.

BBC

And, why don't patients of those doctors with appalling waiting times rebel, and move to another practice with shorter waits?

The Guardian

Yeah he's been injured a lot but with his ability it just doesn't make sense, his finishing is just appalling at times and is costing us here again.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appalling time" to emphasize the shocking or horrifying nature of the period you are describing. This phrase is particularly effective when conveying strong negative emotions or highlighting severe circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "appalling time" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly unpleasant. This phrase carries a strong negative connotation and is best reserved for truly dire or shocking situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appalling time" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where the adjective "appalling" modifies the noun "time". This combination is used to describe a period characterized by extreme negativity or distress. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appalling time" is a grammatically sound and emotionally charged expression used to describe exceptionally negative periods. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and suitable for use in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to convey a strong sense of shock or distress. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it’s best reserved for truly dire situations to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "terrible period" or "horrific experience" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emotional weights. By understanding its proper context and usage, writers can effectively communicate the gravity of a situation and evoke the desired emotional response from their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible period

Replaces "appalling" with a more general term for bad, reducing the intensity.

awful phase

Substitutes both words for synonyms, softening the impact.

dreadful moment

Shifts the focus to a specific point in time rather than an extended period.

horrific experience

Changes the phrase to emphasize the subjective nature and impact of the negative situation.

difficult chapter

Uses a metaphorical term to describe a troublesome part of someone's life or history.

challenging era

Emphasizes the difficulty and scope of the period, implying a need for resilience.

traumatic episode

Highlights the deeply distressing and potentially lasting impact of the time.

unfortunate situation

Downplays the severity, framing it as unlucky rather than inherently terrible.

grim state of affairs

Focuses on the overall condition and circumstances, implying a broader societal problem.

tough stretch

Uses a more casual and understated way to describe a difficult period.

FAQs

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

You can use "appalling time" to describe a period marked by extreme unpleasantness or distress. For example, "The survivors recounted the appalling time they endured during the war."

What phrases are similar to "appalling time"?

Similar phrases include "terrible period", "awful phase", or "horrific experience". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "appalling time"?

"Appalling time" is appropriate when describing situations marked by extreme negativity, such as a natural disaster, a period of severe hardship, or a deeply disturbing event.

Is "appalling time" formal or informal?

"Appalling time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing a genuinely terrible period, but it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact.