dismay with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismay with" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct expression is "dismay at" or "dismay over." Example: "I felt a deep dismay at the news of the cancellation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The report expressed dismay with that approach.

The New York Times

Several Brooklyn Democrats recently expressed deep dismay with Mr. Paterson.

The New York Times

Glee follows dismay with only the most fleeting halt at guarded optimism.

The Economist

Israel said it found some measure of vindication in the revelations of regional dismay with Iran.

The New York Times

He tried to rally the Democrats and expressed dismay with the opposition.

The New Yorker

Many Muslims express affection for the church despite their dismay with the pope's speech.

The New York Times

He expressed his dismay with the governor's call for his resignation.

The New York Times

He voiced popular dismay with manufacturing job losses and politicians in general.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for the Justice Department, expressed the administration's dismay with the ruling.

The New York Times

But on further reflection, many also expressed dismay with his deceit.

The New York Times

Educational institutions – Gray taught in one – provided this dramatist of dismay with rich fodder.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing negative feelings, use alternatives like "concern about" or "displeasure with" to add nuance and specificity.

Common error

Avoid using "with" after "dismay". The standard English construction uses "at" or "over" (e.g., "dismay at the results"). Choosing the correct preposition ensures grammatical accuracy and improves your writing's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismay with" functions as a noun followed by a preposition, often used to express feelings of disappointment or disapproval regarding a particular subject. Despite its common occurrence, Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "dismay with" is frequently encountered, it's essential to note that it is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI suggests that the correct usage involves employing prepositions like "at" or "over" instead. Despite its prevalence, particularly in news and media contexts, opting for grammatically sound alternatives such as "disappointment with" or "frustration with" can enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing. Remember to consider the specific context and desired level of formality when choosing the most appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disappointment with

Replaces "dismay" with a more common synonym, focusing on unmet expectations.

Frustration with

Highlights the feeling of being blocked or hindered, adding an element of irritation.

Displeasure with

Emphasizes dissatisfaction or disapproval.

Dismay at

Corrects the preposition used with "dismay" to align with standard grammar.

Concerned about

Shifts the focus to worry or anxiety regarding a particular situation.

Unhappiness with

A simple and direct way to express a lack of satisfaction.

Dissatisfaction with

Highlights a lack of fulfillment or contentment.

Regret over

Implies a sense of sorrow or remorse about something.

Disapproval of

Focuses on disagreement or objection.

Disappointment in

Emphasizes a feeling of sadness because someone or something failed to fulfill expectations or hopes.

FAQs

What's the correct way to use "dismay" with a preposition?

While people commonly say "dismay with", the standard English usage is to use "dismay at" or "dismay over". For example, you might say "I felt dismay at the news" or "I expressed my dismay over the decision".

What can I say instead of "dismay with"?

You can use alternatives like "disappointment with", "frustration with", or "concern about", depending on the context.

Is "dismay with" grammatically correct?

No, "dismay with" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The correct preposition to use with "dismay" is "at" or "over".

Which is correct, "dismay with" or "dismay at"?

"Dismay at" is the grammatically correct choice. Although "dismay with" is often used, it's best to use "dismay at" in formal writing. You can also use alternatives like "disappointment with" if you prefer.