how deplorable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how deplorable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or disappointment regarding a situation or action. Example: "The way they treated the volunteers was truly how deplorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And no matter how deplorable the circumstances, every child has a dream: "I want to be a doctor!

Independent

An artist's conduct alone, no matter how deplorable, doesn't prevent him from making art that has significant merits.

The New Yorker

How deplorable that two of the outstanding dancers and filmmakers of our time are almost entirely unknown to United States audiences.

The New York Times - Arts

Theodore Kharpertian Jersey City, Oct. 11, 2007 To the Editor: Congress should not be in the business of passing symbolic resolutions on something that happened in the World War I era that had nothing to do with this country no matter how deplorable it was.

The New York Times

Many of the letters were highly emotional: "Your leading article of today has dealt a shattering blow to the respect with which I have hitherto regarded your opinions"; "As an old and regular reader of your paper, I write today for the first time to any paper to say how deplorable I think your leading article of this week"; "This is a sad day for one old and fond subscriber".

The Economist

I am constantly floored by how deplorable we can be to each other.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

#ImpeachTrump #FakePresident #25thAmendment #Deplorable pic.twitter.com/tpZqan9mOE.

Huffington Post

On Jan . 11 , 1905Volck wrote to the Library of Congress to explain the manner of the caricatures' production and distribution — and how, "after the deplorable murder of Lincoln," he regretted having "aimed ridicule at that great and good" man.

The New York Times

"It's deplorable how people have felt free to shove words in his mouth," said Murray Morgan, a historian who has written half a dozen books about the Pacific Northwest.

The New York Times

I think it's extremely dehumanizing and deplorable how we treat people with certain diseases.

Huffington Post

Zealots, acting under the label of any religion, are zealots just the same, and we hope everyone realizes how crass and deplorable even the suggestion of actions, such as that witnessed today, are.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how deplorable", ensure the context is clear and the severity of the situation warrants such a strong expression of disapproval. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "how deplorable" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Save it for situations involving genuine moral failings or significant negative consequences to maintain its gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how deplorable" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a strong negative judgment or disapproval of a situation or action. It emphasizes the degree to which something is considered unacceptable or morally wrong.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how deplorable" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English used to convey strong disapproval or disappointment. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it serves to emphasize the negative qualities of a situation or action. While not overly formal, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with less frequent usage in academic or business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants such a strong expression, and avoid overusing it in trivial situations. Alternatives such as "how regrettable" or "how awful" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how regrettable

Replaces "deplorable" with a synonym that emphasizes the feeling of sorrow or disappointment.

how reprehensible

Replaces "deplorable" with a more formal and condemning synonym, suggesting a stronger moral judgment.

how disgraceful

Emphasizes the shamefulness or dishonorable nature of the subject at hand.

how shameful

Highlights the feeling of embarrassment or dishonor associated with something.

how appalling

Conveys a sense of shock and disgust, highlighting the offensive nature of something.

how awful

Uses a more common and direct synonym for "deplorable", making the phrase slightly less formal.

how terrible

Similar to "how awful", but may convey a stronger sense of shock or dismay.

how unacceptable

Focuses on the idea that something does not meet the required standards or expectations.

to what extent is it deplorable

Transforms the phrase into a question, inviting further discussion or analysis of the situation's reprehensibility.

how unfortunate

Uses a milder term to express regret or disappointment about a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "how deplorable" in a sentence?

You can use "how deplorable" to express strong disapproval or disappointment about a situation. For example: "It's "how deplorable" they treated the volunteers."

What are some alternatives to "how deplorable"?

Alternatives include "how regrettable", "how awful", or "how terrible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "how deplorable"?

Use "how deplorable" when you want to express a strong sense of moral condemnation or deep disappointment about a particular situation or action.

Is "how deplorable" a formal or informal expression?

"How deplorable" is generally considered a semi-formal expression. While not overly casual, it's also not the most elevated language. Its formality depends on the context and audience.