foul things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foul things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe unpleasant, offensive, or morally objectionable items or concepts. Example: "The report revealed many foul things happening behind the scenes in the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

One inexperienced, grandstanding or lackadaisical lawyer can foul things up.

The New York Times

Millions of women the world over want to do foul things to him".

Independent

Even when they get it right they find a way to foul things up.

The Guardian - Sport

Once a system grows sufficiently complex, it doesn't matter how badly our best and brightest foul things up.

The New York Times

TO ERR is human, but to foul things up completely takes a computer, or so the old saw goes.

The Economist

"Our bodies are foul things to live inside," an elderly man thinks, but they also provide access to rapture.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Constantly wiping foul-smelling things from miniature versions of intimate body parts?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a foul, filthy thing that marred the aesthetics, something to scrub off or paint over, something to just get rid of.

The New York Times

A pale January tomato is a foul thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The foul thing is more impressive to me," James told reporters last week.

The New York Times

Izzo grumbled about the 24-17 dincrepancy in foul calls, saying, "The foul thing bothered me a little bit, to be honest about it".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foul things" to describe situations or objects that are not only unpleasant but also morally questionable or offensive. This phrase carries a stronger negative connotation than simply 'bad things'.

Common error

Avoid using "foul things" in everyday conversation where a milder term would suffice. Overusing it can make your language seem overly dramatic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul things" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "foul" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "things". It often serves as the object of a verb or preposition, denoting something unpleasant or morally wrong, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "foul things" is a grammatically correct and usable term to describe unpleasant, offensive, or morally objectionable items or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not overly common, it finds its place predominantly in news, encyclopedic, and wiki contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. It is crucial to wield this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the intent is to convey moral repugnance. Alternatives such as "disgusting matters" or "offensive items" may be more appropriate in less severe instances, enhancing precision in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disgusting matters

Emphasizes the repulsiveness of the issues at hand.

offensive items

Highlights the objectionable nature of the objects or concepts being discussed.

reprehensible acts

Focuses on the blameworthy or condemnable nature of the actions.

abominable deeds

Stresses the extreme unpleasantness and moral repugnance of the actions.

vile objects

Underlines the unpleasant and morally wrong character of the things.

unpleasant affairs

Highlights the disagreeable and unwelcome nature of the situations.

obscene elements

Focuses on the indecent and morally offensive components.

corrupt practices

Emphasizes the dishonesty and immorality of the actions.

detestable acts

Highlights the intensity of dislike and revulsion toward the actions.

repugnant issues

Stresses the causing of strong aversion or disgust related to the problems.

FAQs

How can I use "foul things" in a sentence?

You can use "foul things" to describe matters that are not only unpleasant but also morally wrong or offensive. For example, "The investigation uncovered many "foul things" happening within the company".

What are some alternatives to "foul things"?

Alternatives include "disgusting matters", "offensive items", or "reprehensible acts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "foul things"?

The phrase "foul things" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the moral or ethical repugnance of the items or actions being described. It is often used in news reports, academic analyses, and formal discussions.

Is "foul things" a formal or informal expression?

While grammatically correct, "foul things" leans towards a more formal register due to its strong negative connotation and use in serious or critical contexts. Simpler terms may be more suitable for casual conversation.