are tragic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are tragic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations, events, or experiences that evoke sadness or distress. Example: "The consequences of the disaster are tragic, affecting countless lives and communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Here the circumstances are tragic.

The New Yorker

But there are tragic anecdotes.

The New York Times - Tech

Great artists are tragic.

The New Yorker

The results are tragic.

The New York Times

They are tragic heroes.

The New York Times

The recent student overdoses are tragic.

The New York Times

They are tragic in a complex way.

Independent

Deaths and mayhem anywhere are tragic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Women more than men are tragic figures.

The Guardian - Film

Wars are tragic, shootings are tragic, a movie star's illness is tragic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Which is tragic".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are tragic" to describe events or situations that evoke a strong sense of sadness, loss, or misfortune. Ensure the context warrants such a strong emotional descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "are tragic" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. Overusing strong emotional descriptors can dilute their impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Reserve it for genuinely devastating or heartbreaking situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are tragic" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject of a sentence to describe a state or quality. It expresses that something is causing or characterized by extreme distress, sorrow, or calamity. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe events, situations, or figures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are tragic" serves as a powerful descriptor used to convey deep sadness, loss, or misfortune. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, primarily in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and ensure the context warrants such a strong emotional descriptor. Consider alternatives such as "are devastating" or "are heartbreaking" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "are tragic" to evoke empathy and highlight the severity of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are devastating

Emphasizes the destructive impact of the situation, highlighting the extent of the damage or loss.

are heartbreaking

Focuses on the emotional pain and sorrow caused by the situation, emphasizing the impact on feelings.

are calamitous

Highlights the disastrous nature of the events, emphasizing the scale of the misfortune.

are lamentable

Emphasizes the regret and sorrow associated with the events, focusing on the feeling of loss.

are grievous

Focuses on the severity and seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the depth of the suffering.

are unfortunate

Downplays the gravity slightly, presenting the situation as unlucky or regrettable but not necessarily catastrophic.

are regrettable

Indicates that the situation is something to be sorry about, without necessarily implying immense suffering.

are dire

Highlights the urgency and desperation of the situation, focusing on the critical need for action.

are dreadful

Emphasizes the unpleasant and shocking nature of the events, highlighting the sense of horror.

are appalling

Focuses on the shocking and offensive nature of the situation, emphasizing the moral outrage it provokes.

FAQs

How can I use "are tragic" in a sentence?

You can use "are tragic" to describe events or situations that evoke a strong sense of sadness, loss, or misfortune. For example, "The consequences of the war "are tragic", affecting countless lives and communities."

What can I say instead of "are tragic"?

You can use alternatives like "are devastating", "are heartbreaking", or "are calamitous" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are tragic" or "is tragic"?

"Are tragic" is used with plural subjects, while "is tragic" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The deaths "are tragic"" (plural) versus "The accident "is tragic"" (singular).

What's the difference between "are tragic" and "are unfortunate"?

"Are tragic" implies a deep sense of sorrow, loss, and devastation, while "are unfortunate" suggests something is unlucky or regrettable but not necessarily catastrophic. "Are tragic" has a stronger emotional weight than "are unfortunate".