cruel fate

USAGE SUMMARY

"cruel fate" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe an unfortunate or sad event that seemed to be unavoidable or predetermined. For example: "It was a cruel fate that caused her to lose her job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cruel fate, soft berth.

The New Yorker

Curse cruel fate!

The Guardian - Sport

Shakespeare suffered an equally cruel fate.

The New York Times

Cruel fate takes its course.

The Guardian - Film

Cruel fate took your life's work.

The New York Times

Tyrannical kings, brothels, debauchery, young lovers crossed by cruel fate.

The Guardian - Music

How had it met this cruel fate, I wondered.

The New York Times

His paintings seem to foresee his own cruel fate.

The Guardian - Arts

No one really wants to acknowledge the limitations ministered by cruel fate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cruel fate and biology cannot stop her; the dream lives on.

Independent

Minnesota is well aware of the cruel fate of the bouncing balls.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact you want to create. "Cruel fate" can evoke a strong sense of pathos, so use it judiciously to avoid melodrama.

Common error

Avoid using "cruel fate" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement and avoid diminishing the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cruel fate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a condition or event characterized by unfortunate, harsh, and seemingly predetermined circumstances. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cruel fate" is a noun phrase used to describe an unfortunate event that appears to be unavoidable and harsh. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct for use in written English. It's frequently employed in News & Media to express tragedy or injustice. While grammatically sound, its emotional intensity makes it more suitable for narrative contexts than objective reporting or scientific discourse. Alternatives like "harsh destiny" or "bitter fortune" can be used to vary the tone. Avoid overuse to maintain impact and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh destiny

Replaces "fate" with "destiny", emphasizing the predetermined nature of the unfortunate outcome.

bitter fortune

Substitutes "cruel" with "bitter" and "fate" with "fortune", highlighting the unpleasantness of the situation.

unhappy lot

Replaces "cruel fate" with a phrase that suggests an assigned or destined negative experience.

tragic misfortune

Emphasizes the sadness and severity of the unfortunate event by using "tragic misfortune".

adverse circumstances

Shifts the focus to the difficult or unfavorable conditions leading to the negative outcome.

grim reality

Highlights the harshness and inevitability of the situation, focusing on the bleakness of the outcome.

ill-fated existence

This highlights the condition or quality of being doomed, ruined, or destroyed.

unfavorable outcome

Offers a more neutral alternative, focusing on the negative result without the emotional intensity.

tragic turn of events

Emphasizes the unexpected and unfortunate sequence of events that led to the negative outcome.

bad luck

Provides a simpler, more colloquial way to express an unfortunate event.

FAQs

How can I use "cruel fate" in a sentence?

You can use "cruel fate" to describe an unfortunate event that seems unavoidable, such as, "It was "cruel fate" that caused him to lose his job right before the holidays".

What are some alternatives to "cruel fate"?

Alternatives include "harsh destiny", "bitter fortune", or "tragic misfortune". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emotional emphasis you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "cruel fate" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "cruel fate" may not be suitable for all contexts. It is best used when conveying a sense of tragedy, inevitability, or somberness. In more casual or objective writing, less dramatic alternatives may be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "cruel fate" from "bad luck"?

"Cruel fate" implies a sense of destiny or an unavoidable negative outcome, often with a greater emotional impact. "Bad luck", on the other hand, is a more general and less dramatic term for an unfortunate event or series of events.