awful event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awful event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an incident or occurrence that is considered very bad or unpleasant. Example: "The community came together to support each other after the awful event that shook our town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"In the form of this awful event".

Independent

It's about this awful event in India called the Bhopal gas tragedy.

The New York Times

If it had been then this awful event could have been avoided".

The Guardian

The film is right that this awful event had a formative impact on Turing's life.

The Guardian - Film

But when just such an awful event happened, he blew it.

The New Yorker

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first minister, told BBC Radio Scotland: "This is an unspeakably awful event.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Some awful events that happened there are seared in the minds of Chicagoans".

Independent

The awful events of that day traumatized the country — and changed it.

The New York Times

V few people could have coped with recent rush of awful events".

Independent

V few people could have coped with recent rush of awful events".

The Guardian

"What were you going to be, a doctor?" Our lives were affected by these awful events.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awful event", consider the specific emotional tone you want to convey. While generally negative, "awful" can range from unpleasant to deeply disturbing. Choose synonyms if a more precise descriptor is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "awful event" excessively in dramatic or sensationalized contexts, as it can dilute the impact and appear hyperbolic. Opt for more nuanced language to maintain credibility and emotional resonance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awful event" functions as a noun phrase, where "awful" modifies the noun "event". It's used to describe something negative or unpleasant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awful event" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something very bad or unpleasant. As Ludwig AI explains, it is readily usable in written English and appears frequently in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, consider more precise synonyms like "terrible incident" or "tragic occurrence" for greater clarity or for academic writing. Be mindful of overuse in sensationalized writing to maintain credibility. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various situations, but careful consideration of the specific emotional tone will enhance its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible incident

Replaces "awful" with a synonym, maintaining a general sense of negativity but with slightly different connotations.

horrific episode

Emphasizes the shocking and disturbing nature of the event.

tragic occurrence

Highlights the sorrowful and lamentable aspects of the event.

catastrophic situation

Focuses on the disastrous consequences and widespread impact of the event.

dreadful happening

Uses more formal and somber language to describe an unpleasant event.

unfortunate circumstance

Downplays the severity while still indicating a negative outcome.

devastating ordeal

Highlights the severe emotional or physical suffering caused by the event.

calamitous affair

Implies a major disaster or misfortune with wide-ranging effects.

grievous blow

Suggests a significant setback or loss resulting from the event.

appalling incident

Stresses the shocking and morally offensive nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "awful event" to describe a negative or unpleasant occurrence. For example, "The community came together to support each other after the awful event that shook our town."

What can I say instead of "awful event"?

You can use alternatives like "terrible incident", "horrific episode", or "tragic occurrence" depending on the context.

Is "awful event" too informal for academic writing?

While "awful event" is generally acceptable, in academic writing, consider using more precise and formal alternatives such as "unfortunate circumstance" or "catastrophic situation" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "awful event" and "terrible incident"?

"Awful event" is a general term for something very bad or unpleasant, while "terrible incident" often implies a specific occurrence that caused significant distress or harm. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.