impending disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

"impending disaster" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a situation in which disaster is approaching or seems likely to happen soon. For example: "The residents of the town were concerned about the impending disaster of an earthquake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Scientists have warned of impending disaster.

The New York Times

She also warned him of impending disaster.

The Guardian - Books

IMPENDING disaster high atop a residential skyscraper near completion.

The New York Times

His future wife, a graphologist, had also sensed impending disaster.

The New York Times

None of the many hints of impending disaster lead anywhere.

The New York Times - Books

Her poems read like skin-of-your-teeth escapes from impending disaster.

The New Yorker

Their primary purpose was to inform the royal court of impending disaster or success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The first sign of impending disaster is a plague of robins).

The New Yorker

China had no free press to give warning of impending disaster, no opposition demanding action.

The Economist

Increased casualties are obviously not good news, but they aren't necessarily a sign of impending disaster.

The New York Times

Of course, for stagecraft purposes, it was played as impending disaster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact of the phrase. It can create a sense of anxiety or fear, so use it judiciously and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "impending disaster" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for situations that genuinely pose a significant threat or risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impending disaster" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where a calamitous event is on the verge of occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, its structure adheres to standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impending disaster" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes a looming calamitous event. Ludwig AI confirms its adherence to standard English grammar rules. This phrase frequently appears in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. Its purpose is to warn or alert about a potential negative situation, with alternatives like "approaching catastrophe" and "looming crisis" offering nuanced variations. When writing with this phrase, it's beneficial to avoid overusing it in hyperbolic situations. Ludwig's examples highlight its widespread use and contextual appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching catastrophe

Replaces "disaster" with "catastrophe", suggesting a more severe event.

looming crisis

Substitutes "disaster" with "crisis", indicating a potentially dangerous situation.

imminent threat

Focuses on the threatening aspect of the situation rather than the disaster itself.

gathering storm

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe the build-up to a negative event.

brewing trouble

Indicates that problems are developing and may soon become a disaster.

oncoming misfortune

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the negative event.

pending doom

Creates a sense of inevitable and often catastrophic end.

developing emergency

Highlights the urgent and rapidly evolving nature of the situation.

rising peril

Suggests an escalating danger or threat.

threatening calamity

Replaces "disaster" with "calamity", a word denoting an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster.

FAQs

How to use "impending disaster" in a sentence?

Use "impending disaster" to describe a situation where a significant negative event is likely to occur soon. For example, "The lack of rainfall raised concerns about an "impending disaster" for local agriculture."

What can I say instead of "impending disaster"?

You can use alternatives like "approaching catastrophe", "looming crisis", or "imminent threat" depending on the specific context.

Is "impending disaster" formal or informal?

"Impending disaster" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the severity of the situation being described.

What are some common signs of an "impending disaster"?

Signs of an "impending disaster" can vary depending on the type of disaster, but may include early warnings, unusual environmental conditions, or failures in safety systems. Recognizing these signs can help mitigate the potential harm.