awful thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awful thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very bad, unpleasant, or distressing. Example: "The news of the disaster was truly an awful thing to hear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an awful thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was an awful thing".

The New Yorker

This was an awful thing.

The New Yorker

Blasé is an awful thing.

The New York Times

That's the awful thing".

The Guardian

It's a really awful thing".

The Guardian

"Preservatives are an awful thing," he said.

The New Yorker

It's an awful thing to have happen.

The New York Times

The awful thing is … that's probably true.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's an awful thing to say, James".

The New Yorker

"It's an awful thing to imagine.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awful thing", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "horrific event" or "tragic affair" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "awful thing" as a catch-all phrase for anything negative. Be specific about what makes the situation or event "awful" to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awful thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object. It expresses a negative evaluation or judgment about a situation, event, or object. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awful thing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something negative or unpleasant. Ludwig AI supports this assessment. It is frequently used in news and media contexts to express disapproval, dismay, or sadness. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey, and alternatives like "horrific event" or "tragic affair" may be more appropriate. Avoid using "awful thing" as a catch-all phrase and be specific about what makes something "awful" to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrific event

Emphasizes the shocking and disturbing nature of the occurrence.

dreadful situation

Highlights the unpleasant and undesirable aspects of the circumstances.

terrible ordeal

Focuses on the experience being a difficult and unpleasant situation.

tragic affair

Suggests a sad and deeply regrettable event with lasting consequences.

appalling matter

Emphasizes the shocking and morally reprehensible aspects.

grievous episode

Highlights the severity and painful nature of the event.

regrettable occurrence

Highlights the feeling of sorrow or disappointment about the event.

unfortunate incident

Downplays the severity, framing it as a matter of bad luck or chance.

deplorable circumstance

Focuses on the regrettable and unacceptable nature of the situation.

calamitous happening

Indicates a disastrous event with widespread negative impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "awful thing" to describe something very bad or unpleasant, for example: "The accident was an awful thing to witness." or "It's an awful thing to lose your job unexpectedly."

What can I say instead of "awful thing"?

You can use alternatives like "terrible ordeal", "horrific event", or "dreadful situation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "awful thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "awful thing" might be considered less formal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and impactful vocabulary such as "tragic event" or "deplorable situation".

What is the difference between "awful thing" and "terrible thing"?

While both phrases express negativity, "awful thing" can sometimes imply a sense of moral reprehensibility, whereas "terrible thing" is a more general descriptor of something very bad or unpleasant.