desolate setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desolate setting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location that is bleak, empty, or abandoned, often evoking feelings of loneliness or isolation. Example: "The film's climax took place in a desolate setting, where the protagonist faced their greatest fears amidst the barren landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is hard to imagine this desolate setting as the source of the bunch of spinach at the corner greengrocer, the basil in the marinara at a neighborhood trattoria, the rhubarb in a four-star tart.

The New York Times - Food

This desolate setting is captured subtly but powerfully both in the video and the song.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The wilis are seen in a ritualistic stamping ground, and the boulders of Paul Brown's desolate set in Act II are not part of a Romantic forest.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Zoubi appeared determined to rebut reports that the Assad government's crackdown, and especially its air assaults, were forcing hundreds of thousands of Syrians to flee to desolate tent cities set up for refugees in Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon.

The New York Times

A desolate place.

Independent

It is a sad and desolate place.

The New Yorker

The poignantly played "Blue Prairie" saunters along like a slowly setting sun in the desolate distance.

Huffington Post

It looks flat and broad and desolate, and it looks set to join any number of other failed post-Friends projects for LeBlanc.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Here in "sublime, awfully desolate" Switzerland, these bohemians set up a kind of commune, "a modern Promethean cadre", watched all the while by tourists through telescopes on the other side of the lake, mistaking the laundered tablecloths for the womens' soiled petticoats.

Independent

The mention of Graham Greene inevitably evokes "Greeneland," reviewers' shorthand for the fictional terrain where all of Greene's novels seem to be set — a desolate colonial outpost with unforgiving weather, which is inhabited by mid-level civil servants, simple-hearted locals, and adulterous wives.

The New Yorker

PixlPa sets a desolate psychedelic scene filled with, what appears to be, intentionally oversaturated imagery.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desolate setting", consider the emotional impact you want to create. This phrase is effective for evoking feelings of loneliness, abandonment, or bleakness in your writing.

Common error

While "desolate setting" is a vivid phrase, avoid overusing it. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "bleak landscape" or "abandoned location" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desolate setting" primarily functions as a descriptive element, providing context and atmosphere. It modifies a noun, offering a specific image of the place being discussed. Ludwig examples show it effectively paints a picture of emptiness and abandonment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desolate setting" effectively describes a bleak, empty, or abandoned place, often evoking feelings of loneliness or isolation. Ludwig identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not a particularly common phrase, it's appropriate for formal and creative contexts. To prevent repetition, consider using alternatives such as "bleak landscape" or "abandoned location" to enrich your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desolate landscape

Similar to "bleak landscape" but retains the original emotional intensity of "desolate", while broadening the scale.

bleak landscape

Focuses on the visual aspect of a barren and depressing environment, shifting from a specific place to broader scenery.

bleak locale

Locale is a synonym of place and bleak is a synonym of desolate.

barren environment

Emphasizes the lack of life and productivity in the surroundings, altering the emotional impact.

abandoned location

Highlights the aspect of being deserted and empty of inhabitants, modifying the focus.

isolated environment

Underlines the separation from other places and communities, changing the core emphasis.

forlorn place

Stresses the feeling of sadness and loneliness associated with the location, adding an emotional layer.

Godforsaken place

Adds a sense of extreme abandonment, implying neglect even by divine forces, which intensifies the desolation.

empty wilderness

Highlights the lack of human presence in a natural environment, altering the characterization.

uninhabited area

Directly states the absence of residents, making it a more factual than emotional description.

FAQs

How can I use "desolate setting" in a sentence?

You can use "desolate setting" to describe a place that is bleak, empty, and often evokes feelings of loneliness. For example: "The film's climax took place in a desolate setting, where the protagonist faced their greatest fears."

What are some alternatives to "desolate setting"?

You can use alternatives like "bleak landscape", "barren environment", or "abandoned location" depending on the specific context.

What does "desolate" mean?

"Desolate" means deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness. It is often used to describe places that are lonely, uninhabited, or ruined.

Is it appropriate to use "desolate setting" in formal writing?

Yes, "desolate setting" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to vividly describe a bleak or abandoned place. Ensure that the tone and context align with the overall purpose of your writing.