how scandalous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how scandalous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express shock or disapproval regarding a situation or behavior that is considered morally wrong or inappropriate. Example: "When I heard about the politician's actions, I couldn't help but exclaim, 'How scandalous!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

How scandalous!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"One day they're out there saying how scandalous it is that China doesn't respect W.T.O.

The New York Times

In his scrutiny of four law lords, he highlighted their links to Europe (how scandalous).

The Guardian

"How scandalous these Europeans are!" "How dare you, sir!" Newland exclaimed.

The Guardian - Books

'It's hard now to convey how scandalous the book was at the time,' recalls Aaron Ascher.

The Guardian - Books

It is not hard to imagine how scandalous this would once have seemed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

We can imagine how doubly scandalous such a moment was for Arendt.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is how, with scandalous coolness, he begins "If This Is a Man," calmly deploying the twinned resources of "fortuna" in Italian, which combines the senses of good fortune and fate.

The New Yorker

And No matter how dramatic, scandalous or titillating Dana Thomas reports and illuminates with a steady hand, journalistic skill and craft that is finely cut for this or any other season.

Huffington Post

Peggy Lewis added: "It's scandalous how he's been treated".

The Guardian

It's scandalous how they got their new taxpayer-funded home for next to nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the situation. While "how scandalous" is suitable for many situations, stronger or milder expressions might be more appropriate depending on the severity of the perceived wrong.

Common error

Avoid using "how scandalous" sarcastically or lightly, as it can undermine the seriousness of the issue at hand. Ensure the context warrants the level of disapproval the phrase conveys.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how scandalous" functions as an exclamatory expression to convey a strong negative reaction, such as shock, outrage, or disapproval, towards a situation or behavior. It often introduces a statement that explains the reason for the speaker's strong emotional response. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how scandalous" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey a strong sense of shock, outrage, or disapproval. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to highlight perceived moral or ethical breaches, inviting others to share in this condemnation. While versatile, being mindful of the tone and context is important to avoid undermining the severity of the situation. Alternatives such as "how outrageous" or "how disgraceful" can offer similar, yet nuanced, ways to express discontent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how outrageous

Expresses a strong sense of shock and indignation, similar to "how scandalous" but potentially more forceful.

how appalling

Focuses on the shocking and disturbing nature of something, highlighting its capacity to cause dismay.

how disgraceful

Emphasizes the shamefulness and loss of respect associated with an action or situation.

how shocking

Directly conveys the surprising and upsetting nature of something.

how reprehensible

Indicates strong disapproval and condemnation of something morally wrong.

how shameful

Highlights the regrettable and dishonorable aspect of a situation or behavior.

what a scandal

A more concise exclamation emphasizing the presence of a scandalous situation.

how improper

Suggests a violation of established rules or norms of conduct.

how unbecoming

Emphasizes that the action is not appropriate or attractive, particularly in a social context.

how unacceptable

Highlights that a behavior, situation, or action cannot be tolerated and is worthy of condemnation.

FAQs

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

You can use "how scandalous" to express shock or outrage at something you consider morally wrong or inappropriate. For example, "How scandalous that they would treat their employees that way!"

What's a more formal alternative to "how scandalous"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "how reprehensible" or "how disgraceful", which carry a similar meaning but are often perceived as more sophisticated.

Is "how scandalous" always negative?

Yes, "how scandalous" is generally used to express negative sentiments, specifically shock, disapproval, or outrage. It implies that something is morally wrong, inappropriate, or shocking in a negative way.

What can I say instead of "how scandalous" in a lighthearted situation?

In a more lighthearted or humorous context, you might use "how shocking" or "what a scandal" with a playful tone to express mild surprise or amusement rather than genuine outrage.