great disarray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great disarray" is correct and is used in written English.
It is often used to refer to the state of great disorder and confusion. For example: The room was in great disarray after the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Senator Bond sees the letter as proof of great disarray in the Nixon campaign.

The New York Times

He said MGM had a chance to establish itself in a big way in a nascent industry that has been in great disarray, and to be ready "if and when this comes to the U.S".

The New York Times

Some African primates have also spoken openly about leaving the Anglican Communion, which would create great disarray in their provinces, as not all their bishops or clergy are willing to break with the communion over this issue, Episcopal bishops and experts said.

The New York Times

Within this complexity, we have created great disarray in the form of societal norms and lies, which allow us to achieve those.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Three years later the Papal States fell into even greater disarray with the outbreak of the Great Schism (1378 1417).

Encyclopedia Britannica

What is worse is that politics in the Palestinian camp is, if anything, in even greater disarray.

The Economist

If the Pope's initiative succeeds, the Church of England will be further weakened and plunged into even greater disarray.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yesterday, after a botched bank robbery in Coney Island, their wedding plans were in even greater disarray, the police said.

The New York Times

Yet Mercosur, the putative customs union established by Brazil with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in 1994, has never been in greater disarray.

The Economist

Mr Ozawa resigned, but a party with a dire shortage of good leaders reinstated him.Such backroom dealing has made both parties look shambolic, but Mr Ozawa's DPJ is in greater disarray.

The Economist

At the same time, Mr Cook seemed more open than before to Yugoslavia's final break-up.If Montenegrins felt puzzled by the result, western policymakers were in even greater disarray.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great disarray" to describe situations where not only is there disorder, but it is significantly disruptive and widespread. It is more impactful than simply saying "disorder".

Common error

Avoid using "great disarray" in very casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it sounds overly formal or dramatic in everyday scenarios. Simpler terms like "mess" or "chaos" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great disarray" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a state of considerable disorder or confusion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great disarray" is a valid and grammatically correct English expression used to describe significant disorder and confusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. While "great disarray" isn't incorrect, it's important to recognize it's more suitable for neutral to formal settings. Alternative phrases like "utter chaos" or "total confusion" may be more appropriate for informal contexts. The choice of phrasing should always depend on the context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter chaos

Replaces "disarray" with "chaos" implying a complete lack of order.

total confusion

Substitutes "disarray" with "confusion", focusing on the lack of understanding.

complete disorder

Emphasizes the lack of arrangement and organization.

state of turmoil

Highlights the internal disturbance and unrest implied by "disarray".

major disruption

Focuses on the interruption and disturbance caused by the disarray.

significant mess

Replaces "disarray" with a more informal term, "mess", implying untidiness and disorder.

profound upheaval

Suggests a significant disturbance or change, similar to the effects of "great disarray".

extreme disorganization

Highlights the lack of structured arrangement.

palpable disorder

Suggests that the "disarray" can be easily sensed or perceived.

unprecedented disorganization

Indicates that the level of "disarray" is extreme and exceptional.

FAQs

How can I use "great disarray" in a sentence?

You can use "great disarray" to describe situations marked by significant disorder and confusion. For example, "The office was in "great disarray" after the company's sudden closure".

What are some alternatives to using "great disarray"?

Alternatives to "great disarray" include "utter chaos", "total confusion", or "complete disorder". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "vast disarray" instead of "great disarray"?

Yes, "vast disarray" is a suitable alternative to "great disarray". Both phrases emphasize the extent and magnitude of the disorder, with "vast disarray" perhaps suggesting a more extensive area or scope of disorganization.

What is the difference between "great disarray" and "minor disarray"?

"Great disarray" indicates a significant level of disorder and disruption, whereas "minor disarray" implies a slight or inconsequential level of disorganization. The choice between them depends on the severity of the situation being described.