is grim reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is grim reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe material that is unpleasant, distressing, or difficult to digest, often in the context of reports, articles, or news. Example: "The latest report on climate change is grim reading, highlighting the urgent need for action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is grim reading.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Law Shucks blog has a "layoff tracker," and it is grim reading.

The New York Times

Adam Golden New Providence, N.J. A. Mr. Golden sent the Haggler some of his e-mail traffic with Dell, and it is grim reading.

The New York Times

But a report on "Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict" by the Geneva-based Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) picks its way as systematically as it can through conflict after conflict, in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, piecing together the evidence.It is grim reading.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It could have been grim reading, but Emma Healey has a gift for the kind of dark comedy that can shine through any predicament.

The Guardian - Books

With a broad economic downturn's effect on portfolio companies coupled with close scrutiny of valuations from auditors, the end-year reports from some private equity firms could turn out to be grim reading.

The New York Times

You can see more about the report State of Nature here but be warned, it's grim reading.

BBC

I read the clipping you sent me from the Financial Times and it is grim.

The New Yorker

His football is grim.

Independent

Sanitation is grim.

The Economist

The outlook is grim.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is grim reading", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific material is being described. For example: "The report on poverty is grim reading."

Common error

Avoid using "is grim reading" to describe everyday inconveniences or minor setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving serious or concerning information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is grim reading" functions as a subjective comment on the nature of written material. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something unpleasant or distressing. It usually follows a subject referring to a specific text or report.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is grim reading" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, primarily found in news and media contexts to describe unpleasant or distressing material. As Ludwig AI notes, it effectively conveys a negative assessment of the content, warning readers of its unfavorable nature. While the phrase is not overly common, with only a few examples available, it's suitable for neutral and professional registers. Alternative expressions include "is depressing to read" or "is disheartening to read", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is depressing to read

Focuses on the emotional impact of the reading material.

is disheartening to read

Emphasizes the discouraging nature of the reading material.

is upsetting to read

Highlights the disturbing quality of the content.

is bleak to read

Stresses the pessimistic and hopeless nature of the material.

makes for a somber read

Highlights the serious and melancholic tone of the material.

is a cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the worrying implications of the information.

is alarming to read

Emphasizes the sense of danger or urgency conveyed by the material.

is worrying to read

Focuses on the anxiety-inducing aspect of the reading material.

is not for the faint of heart

Indicates the material is intense and potentially disturbing.

is difficult to stomach

Suggests the material is unpleasant and hard to accept.

FAQs

How can I use "is grim reading" in a sentence?

You can use "is grim reading" to describe documents or reports that contain upsetting or negative information. For example: "The news about the company's financial losses "is grim reading"."

What's a more formal alternative to "is grim reading"?

More formal alternatives include "is deeply concerning", "presents a bleak outlook", or "is profoundly troubling".

Which is correct, "is grim reading" or "are grim readings"?

"Is grim reading" is correct when referring to a single document or report. "Are grim readings" would be appropriate if discussing multiple separate documents.

What can I say instead of "is grim reading"?

You can use alternatives like "is depressing to read", "is disheartening to read", or "is upsetting to read" depending on the context.