in a dreadful state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a dreadful state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, condition, or object that is in a very poor or distressing condition. Example: "After the storm, the town was left in a dreadful state, with debris scattered everywhere and homes damaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

When I saw him a couple of years later, he was in a dreadful state.

Independent

When Nazim went to see him at the house, he found Ahsanullah in a dreadful state.

The Guardian

I was in a dreadful state, I was having trouble speaking".

The Guardian

Human relations are hard and brutal and painful, and the world is in a dreadful state politically.

The Guardian - Film

In the call, Davidson said her friend could not eat or drink, was "skin and bone" and was in a "dreadful state".

The Guardian

Had they done so, Britain and other rich countries that depend heavily on foreign labour would be in a dreadful state.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Her team calculated that Labour was in such a dreadful state that the Tories didn't need to rush for a quick kill.

The Guardian - Opinion

During that time its longest without a Gandhi in command since 1947 Congress had been reduced to a dreadful state.

The Economist

And when you think there are so many people in a worse situation than me, it seems a dreadful state of affairs," she said.

The Guardian - Business

It's a shambles, a dreadful state of affairs.

The Guardian

"Missing is a dreadful state of mind: so many have lived for years without knowing".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a dreadful state", consider the context to ensure the severity of the phrase aligns with the situation. Alternatives like "in poor condition" may be more suitable for less severe scenarios.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the word "dreadful" in formal or professional writing; it can sometimes come across as overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral terms like "critical" or "unfavorable" when describing business or academic situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a dreadful state" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a predicate adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun by describing its condition. As Ludwig AI explains, it correctly describes situations, conditions or objects in very poor or distressing conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a dreadful state" is used to describe something that is in very poor condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, however, with only 5 occurrences found, it's categorized as a rare expression. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its formality is neutral, leaning slightly informal. When employing the phrase, consider the severity of the situation to make sure the strength of the wording aligns with the context. Alternatives such as "in a terrible condition" or "in a dire situation" may suit various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a terrible condition

Replaces "dreadful state" with "terrible condition", using a different adjective and noun while maintaining the meaning.

in a dire situation

Substitutes the phrase to emphasize the severity and urgency of the condition.

in a sorry state

Replaces "dreadful" with "sorry", conveying a sense of pity and regret for the condition.

in a critical condition

Emphasizes the life-threatening or extremely serious nature of the state.

in a very bad way

Uses a more informal phrasing to convey a similar sense of being in poor condition.

in a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of the state.

in poor shape

Employs a more general term to describe being in an undesirable condition.

facing a crisis

Shifts the focus to the ongoing nature of the problem, portraying it as a crisis.

in an awful plight

Uses a less common but similar phrase to convey a sense of misfortune and distress.

in a mess

Simplifies the expression to highlight the chaotic and disorganized nature of the condition.

FAQs

How can I use "in a dreadful state" in a sentence?

You can use "in a dreadful state" to describe something or someone that is in a very poor or unpleasant condition. For example, "After the hurricane, the city was "in a dreadful state"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in a dreadful state"?

Alternatives include "in a terrible condition", "in a dire situation", or "in poor shape", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "in a dreadful state" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in a dreadful state" might be perceived as somewhat informal or overly dramatic in certain formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral phrase like "in a critical condition" or "in an unfavorable state" instead.

What is the difference between "in a dreadful state" and "in a bad state"?

"In a dreadful state" implies a higher degree of severity and unpleasantness compared to "in a bad state". The former suggests a condition that is particularly distressing or alarming.