dreadful moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dreadful moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particularly unpleasant or distressing experience or event. Example: "As she stood there, she realized that this was the dreadful moment she had been dreading for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That was a dreadful moment.

The Guardian

But then came the dreadful moment in August, for which he is still paying.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a dreadful moment when a well-liked member of your team tenders their resignation.

Harvard Business Review

This dreadful moment of failure and humiliation came to haunt Golding.

The Guardian - Books

But he also has a dreadful moment lip-syncing while playing air guitar, and air drums, to AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long".

The New York Times - Arts

Now those Venezuelans who have not fled the chaos are facing the dreadful moment of having to topple their own government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And yet his quiet and exacting humaneness infuses even the most dreadful moments with an intimation of grace.

The New York Times

No television year would be complete without our remembering the truly dreadful moments, the kind that trigger an involuntary shudder.

The New York Times - Arts

But then the sport involved is horse racing, which is accustomed to dreadful moments when much-loved family members have to be executed.

The Guardian - Sport

In the dreadful moments after the attack one woman at the scene asked Adebolajo if he was going to harm the passersby.

The Guardian

No character, no quality, no organisation, no continuity, no identity, Valencia have been dreadful, moments of good football all too fleeting.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "dreadful moment", ensure that the context clearly establishes the cause and effect of the moment's dreadfulness, providing a richer understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "dreadful moment" to describe trivial inconveniences. Reserve it for genuinely serious or upsetting situations to maintain its impact and avoid diluting its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dreadful moment" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dreadful" modifies the noun "moment". It describes a specific point in time characterized by intense unpleasantness or misfortune. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dreadful moment" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a particularly unpleasant or distressing experience. Ludwig AI validates its use in English writing. Analysis of example sentences reveals that it frequently appears in news and media contexts to convey the severity of situations and evoke empathy. While "dreadful moment" is appropriate for formal writing, it should be reserved for truly serious or upsetting events to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "terrible time" or "awful experience" depending on the desired nuance. Avoiding overuse as hyperbole will ensure that the phrase retains its powerful effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible time

Focuses on the duration and unpleasantness of the experience, rather than a specific point in time.

awful experience

Highlights the overall negative nature of the event, shifting the emphasis from a single instant.

horrific event

Emphasizes the shocking and disturbing qualities of the occurrence.

tragic episode

Highlights the sorrowful and lamentable nature of the event.

unfortunate incident

Downplays the emotional intensity, focusing on the regrettable nature of the situation.

ghastly experience

Underscores the repulsiveness and shocking qualities of the event.

calamitous situation

Emphasizes the disastrous and ruinous aspects of the circumstances.

bitter blow

Highlights the emotional pain and disappointment caused by the event.

unpleasant surprise

Focuses on the unexpected and unwelcome nature of the occurrence.

grim affair

Emphasizes the somber and cheerless nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "dreadful moment" in a sentence?

Use "dreadful moment" to describe a specific point in time marked by intense negative emotions or significant misfortune. For example: "The accident was a "dreadful moment" for everyone involved".

What are some alternatives to saying "dreadful moment"?

You can use alternatives such as "terrible time", "awful experience", or "horrific event" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "dreadful moment" in formal writing?

Yes, "dreadful moment" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a severe or tragic event. However, ensure the tone matches the seriousness of the subject matter.

What makes "dreadful moment" different from "bad moment"?

"Dreadful moment" implies a significantly more intense and negative experience than "bad moment". "Dreadful" suggests a higher degree of fear, anxiety, or sorrow associated with the event.