grim prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

"grim prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a situation that seems difficult or daunting, for example: "The economic outlook appeared to be a grim prospect for the future of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a grim prospect.

The Economist

"It's quite a grim prospect".

The Guardian

It is an inescapably grim prospect.

The Guardian - Opinion

A grim prospect, perhaps, but a realistic one.

The New York Times

It's a grim prospect, but there isn't much reason to think that we're headed for it.

The New Yorker

The longer he stays, the more that grim prospect may become a reality.

The Economist

This grim prospect doesn't necessarily make the case for electing Romney in Obama's place.

The New York Times

Having to take a taxi into the city was a grim prospect on a corporal's pay.

The New York Times

It was this grim prospect that truly lacerated one's heart while Mr. Wonderful was aloft.

The New York Times - Books

That is a grim prospect for any owner who hopes to accrue equity through rising prices.

The New York Times

For anyone with a retirement fund, this is a grim prospect.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grim prospect" to add a sense of foreboding or seriousness to your writing when describing a future event or situation. It is effective in conveying concern about potential negative outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "grim prospect" in casual or lighthearted conversations, as its serious tone may seem overly dramatic or out of place. Consider less formal alternatives in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grim prospect" functions as a noun phrase, where "grim" modifies the noun "prospect". It serves to qualify a future possibility with a negative connotation, indicating that it is unwelcome or unfavorable. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grim prospect" is a commonly used phrase to express a negative outlook on a future event or situation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability, confirming its suitability for formal writing. It functions as a noun phrase, conveying concern and warning of potential negative outcomes. While generally neutral in register, it's most frequently found in news and media sources, and it is essential to use it cautiously in informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "bleak outlook" or "dismal forecast" for nuanced expression. The usage examples provided by Ludwig further illustrate its versatility and contextual appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak outlook

Focuses more on the overall situation being unfavorable rather than a specific possibility.

dismal forecast

Implies a prediction of negative future events, adding a sense of inevitability.

gloomy outlook

Highlights the pessimistic and discouraging nature of the anticipated situation.

dire prediction

Emphasizes the severity and potential disastrous consequences of the forecast.

unfavorable scenario

Presents the situation as less desirable, suitable, or advantageous.

bleak future

Focuses specifically on a lack of hope or positive prospects for what is to come.

depressing outlook

Highlights the emotionally negative impact of the expected situation.

challenging situation

Understates the negativity by focusing on the difficulties rather than the potential for failure.

difficult path ahead

Downplays the negativity by emphasizing the effort required to overcome potential obstacles.

troubling possibility

Highlights the disturbing and concerning nature of the potential outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "grim prospect" in a sentence?

You can use "grim prospect" to describe a situation or future event that appears bleak or unfavorable. For example, "The economic downturn presents a "grim prospect" for small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "grim prospect"?

Some alternatives include "bleak outlook", "dismal forecast", or "gloomy outlook", which all convey a sense of pessimism or negativity about the future.

Is "grim prospect" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "grim prospect" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news articles, academic papers, and business reports, where a serious and cautionary tone is often required.

What is the difference between "grim prospect" and "bleak outlook"?

While both phrases convey a negative outlook, "grim prospect" often refers to a specific potential event or situation, whereas "bleak outlook" is a more general assessment of a situation's overall negativity.