is a dreadful one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a dreadful one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered very bad or unpleasant, often in a subjective context. Example: "The decision to cut funding for the arts is a dreadful one that will have long-lasting effects on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And also, do the GPs have enough specialist knowledge to accurately give them pre-conception counselling?" Newport West MP Paul Flynn said: "The plight of these mothers is a dreadful one because they tend to blame themselves but whatever it is, it's nothing to do with the mother.

BBC

It is a dreadful one.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Last year was a dreadful one for Berkshire.

The New York Times

The Sparks were a dreadful one-for-12 from beyond the three-point arc, and they committed 14 turnovers, which led to 23 points for the Mercury.

Los Angeles Times

But for those who appreciate movies, this obviously is a dreadful idea, one that should meet with protest and boycott.

Huffington Post

"It is a dreadful situation," said one Tehrani resident, who asked not to be identified.

The Guardian

It is a dreadful, dreadful meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is a dreadful organisation.

The Guardian - Books

It is a dreadful prospect.

The Guardian - Opinion

PANCREATIC cancer is a dreadful disease.

The Economist

There is a dreadful comfort too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a dreadful one", ensure the context clearly establishes what 'one' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The plan is a dreadful one', specify 'The plan is a dreadful strategy'.

Common error

Avoid using "is a dreadful one" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and less emotionally charged alternatives like "is a significant concern" or "presents a serious challenge" to maintain a neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a dreadful one" functions as a subjective evaluation. It serves to express a strong negative judgment or opinion about a particular situation, decision, or thing. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English and communicates a negative sentiment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is a dreadful one" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong negative opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for general discussions. While effective for conveying disapproval, it should be used judiciously in formal settings, where more precise language might be preferred. Alternatives such as "is a terrible option" or "represents a dire situation" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in tone and formality. The frequency of use is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a truly awful event

Replaces 'dreadful' with 'awful' and 'one' with 'event', emphasizing the unpleasant nature of the occurrence.

is an exceptionally bad experience

Focuses on the experiential aspect, describing something as exceptionally bad.

is a terrible option

Replaces 'dreadful' with 'terrible' and 'one' with 'option', focusing on the poor quality of a choice.

is a complete disaster

Uses a stronger term, 'disaster', to convey a more catastrophic sense.

represents a dire situation

Emphasizes the severity of the situation rather than just calling it 'dreadful'.

is an utterly wretched state

Emphasizes the miserable and deplorable condition of something, using more dramatic language.

is a very unfortunate affair

Uses more formal language, replacing 'dreadful' with 'unfortunate' and 'one' with 'affair'.

is a deeply regrettable circumstance

Adopts a formal and regretful tone, highlighting the unfortunate nature of the situation.

constitutes a major setback

Highlights the negative impact as a setback, changing the overall tone.

is a profoundly negative development

Focuses on the negative progress or change, using more formal and analytical language.

FAQs

How can I use "is a dreadful one" in a sentence?

You can use "is a dreadful one" to express a strong negative opinion or assessment about something. For example, "The economic forecast is a dreadful one, predicting a sharp decline in growth".

What can I say instead of "is a dreadful one"?

You can use alternatives like "is a terrible option", "represents a dire situation", or "is a truly awful event" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "is a dreadful one" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "is a dreadful one" might be perceived as too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more objective and precise language to maintain a professional tone. For example, instead of saying "the methodology is a dreadful one", you could say "the methodology presents significant limitations".

What's the nuance between "is a dreadful one" and "is a bad one"?

"Is a dreadful one" implies a stronger negative sentiment than "is a bad one". "Dreadful" suggests something is not just unfavorable but also evokes feelings of fear, disgust, or extreme unpleasantness, whereas "bad" is a more general term for something not good or desirable.