impending catastrophe

USAGE SUMMARY

"impending catastrophe" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an expected disaster, generally one that is coming soon. For example: "The government warned citizens of the impending catastrophe posed by Hurricane John."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And the scale of the impending catastrophe demands radical answers.

The Economist

He asked if I had a feeling of impending catastrophe.

The Guardian

Solving this problem is much harder than discerning impending catastrophe.

The Guardian - Film

And without a national fear of an impending catastrophe, he can't defeat Obama.

The New York Times

Because of the impending catastrophe, school was cancelled Monday, and perhaps indefinitely.

The New York Times

But the takeaway: "The Internet traffic surge represents more a looming challenge than an impending catastrophe".

The New York Times

A short-order cook who can communicate with the dead receives a portent of impending catastrophe.

The New York Times

There's a testosterone shortage, too, without which you never feel the itch of impending catastrophe.

The Guardian

We all know about the impending catastrophe — ecological, social — but we somehow cannot take it seriously".

The New Yorker

Germany's finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, warned of an impending "catastrophe" that risks losing "the battle for European unity".

The New York Times

The planes were taken from service as a preventive measure, not to ward off some impending catastrophe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impending catastrophe" to convey a sense of urgency and high stakes, especially when discussing events with widespread and severe consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "impending catastrophe" for minor inconveniences. The phrase is best reserved for situations with genuinely dire and large-scale consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impending catastrophe" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its function in various contexts, such as news reports and fictional narratives, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impending catastrophe" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a disaster that is about to happen. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily within News & Media. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is suitable for formal and informal contexts, aiming to convey a sense of urgency and alarm. While versatile, it's important to reserve its use for truly dire situations to avoid diluting its impact. Related phrases such as "looming disaster" or "approaching crisis" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impending doom

Implies a sense of inevitable and usually catastrophic fate.

looming disaster

Emphasizes the threatening presence of a disaster, similar in scope to a catastrophe.

oncoming calamity

Uses a more formal term for disaster, maintaining a sense of grave misfortune.

threatening crisis

Highlights a situation that's menacing and could quickly devolve into a disaster.

approaching crisis

Suggests a critical situation is developing, although perhaps not as severe as a catastrophe.

pending doom

Highlights an unavoidable and negative outcome, creating a sense of finality.

gathering storm

Implies a build-up of negative circumstances, potentially leading to a disaster.

imminent collapse

Suggests a system or structure is about to fail, leading to significant consequences.

developing emergency

Focuses on the immediate and critical need for attention, similar to a disaster.

brewing trouble

Indicates underlying issues are likely to escalate, suggesting future problems.

FAQs

How can I use "impending catastrophe" in a sentence?

You can use "impending catastrophe" to describe an upcoming disaster, such as "The scientists warned of the "impending catastrophe" if climate change isn't addressed".

What are some alternatives to "impending catastrophe"?

Some alternatives include "looming disaster", "approaching crisis", or "imminent collapse" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "impending catastrophe" in formal writing?

Yes, "impending catastrophe" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing serious or critical situations in news, academic, or professional contexts.

What distinguishes "impending catastrophe" from "future problem"?

"Impending catastrophe" suggests an imminent and severe disaster, while "future problem" is a more general term for issues that may arise later. The former implies a sense of urgency and high stakes.