awful commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awful commotion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loud and chaotic disturbance or uproar, often in a negative context. Example: "The awful commotion outside woke me up in the middle of the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither scientist contributed anything to our understanding of human genetics or the origins of human intelligence, but they each created an awful public commotion and so found themselves a place in the history of the borderline-crazy eugenics movement started by Francis Galton.

Huffington Post

No commotion.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no commotion.

The New York Times

India is a commotion.

The New York Times

Awful, Awful, Awful.

The New York Times

Commotion, but not panic.

The New York Times

(Commotion in the hall).

The Guardian

Promotion, demotion, commotion?

The Guardian

Why all the commotion?

The New York Times - Books

A sudden commotion.

The New Yorker

In the commotion, Henry disappeared.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "awful" with a more descriptive adjective, such as "sudden", "unexpected", or "deafening", to provide a more vivid picture of the commotion.

Common error

Avoid using "awful commotion" for minor or insignificant disturbances. The phrase suggests a substantial and unpleasant disruption, so ensure the situation warrants such a strong description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awful commotion" functions as a noun phrase, where "awful" modifies the noun "commotion". It describes a specific type of disturbance or disruption, emphasizing its negative or unpleasant nature. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Science

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Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awful commotion" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and unpleasant disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the frequency of its occurrence is currently limited in the provided data, it remains a valuable phrase for expressing substantial disruptions. Consider the context and intensity of the situation when using this phrase to ensure accurate and impactful communication. When it is appropriate, you can also use "horrendous clamor" or "terrible disturbance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible disturbance

Replaces "commotion" with "disturbance" and "awful" with "terrible", suggesting a less chaotic but still unpleasant disruption.

dreadful uproar

Substitutes "commotion" with "uproar" and "awful" with "dreadful", implying a loud and chaotic expression of disapproval or excitement.

horrendous clamor

Replaces "commotion" with "clamor" and "awful" with "horrendous", emphasizing the loud and confused noise.

ghastly racket

Substitutes "commotion" with "racket" and "awful" with "ghastly", highlighting the unpleasant and disturbing nature of the noise.

frightful hubbub

Replaces "commotion" with "hubbub" and "awful" with "frightful", suggesting a confused and excited noise.

atrocious ruckus

Substitutes "commotion" with "ruckus" and "awful" with "atrocious", implying a noisy disturbance or commotion.

appalling pandemonium

Replaces "commotion" with "pandemonium" and "awful" with "appalling", indicating a situation of wild and noisy disorder or confusion.

terrific fracas

Substitutes "commotion" with "fracas" and "awful" with "terrific" (used ironically), referring to a noisy disturbance or quarrel.

severe disruption

Replaces "commotion" with "disruption" and "awful" with "severe", focusing on the interruption or disturbance caused.

major disturbance

Emphasizes the scale of the disruption while maintaining a negative connotation, suitable for describing significant interruptions or troubles.

FAQs

How can I use "awful commotion" in a sentence?

You can use "awful commotion" to describe a significant and unpleasant disturbance. For example, "The "awful commotion" outside woke me up in the middle of the night" or "The arrival of the protesters caused an "awful commotion" in the usually quiet neighborhood".

What are some alternatives to "awful commotion"?

Alternatives include "terrible disturbance", "dreadful uproar", "horrendous clamor", or "ghastly racket", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes "awful commotion" different from "minor disturbance"?

"Awful commotion" implies a large, unpleasant, and often chaotic disturbance, while "minor disturbance" suggests a small, less impactful disruption. The choice depends on the scale and nature of the event you're describing.

Is "awful commotion" a formal or informal expression?

"Awful commotion" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using synonyms like "severe disruption" for a more professional tone.