is utterly appalling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is utterly appalling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or shock regarding a situation, action, or behavior. Example: "The treatment of the animals in that facility is utterly appalling and must be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It is utterly appalling what they are proposing," he said.

The Guardian

"At a time of rising demand, staffing shortages and reports of widespread inadequate care, it is utterly appalling that half of mental health services did not receive the increase in their budgets they were promised".

The Guardian

"To see someone in the upper echelons of sport thinking it is okay to refer to women in this way, in private or otherwise, is utterly appalling, let alone someone who has publically supported the case for equality.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"To most people, that would be utterly appalling.

Independent

It was utterly appalling, but it did galvanise me to get my shit together.

The Guardian

These (albeit successful) attempts by businesspeople like Natalia Rose and Jenna Jones to legitimize what is a polished facade for an eating disorder are utterly appalling; as women they should be ashamed.

The New York Times - Style

Lisa Doyle, the Refugee Council's head of advocacy, said: "It's utterly appalling to hear that the families of British citizens who are fleeing the murderous advance of Isis are being prevented from coming to live in safety with their husbands here in Britain.

The Guardian

Mike Chambers, who runs a photography stall, said: "It was utterly appalling.

BBC

Mr Miliband said the incarceration of Ms Ibrahim was "utterly appalling and an abhorrent abuse of her human rights".

BBC

Yet among Ohio and Pennsylvania black voters, Trump's poll numbers are utterly appalling ― he yields zero percent of the black vote in these key swing states.

Huffington Post

The situation is absolutely appalling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is utterly appalling" to express strong disapproval or shock, particularly when describing situations or behaviors that are morally objectionable or deeply disturbing.

Common error

Avoid using "is utterly appalling" in overly casual or trivial situations, as its strong tone can sound disproportionate. Reserve it for truly serious or offensive matters to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is utterly appalling" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It strongly emphasizes the negative quality of a subject, expressing a high degree of disapproval or shock. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is utterly appalling" is a powerful expression used to convey strong disapproval or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively highlights the severity of a situation, action, or behavior. While it is appropriate for formal writing, be mindful of overuse in casual contexts to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "is completely unacceptable" or "is absolutely dreadful" can offer similar sentiments with slightly varied tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is absolutely dreadful

Replaces "utterly appalling" with synonyms emphasizing the negative quality.

is completely unacceptable

Indicates a lack of acceptance due to the severity of the situation.

is thoroughly reprehensible

Emphasizes the blameworthiness and moral objection to something.

is truly horrific

Highlights the shocking and disturbing nature of something.

is downright outrageous

Suggests that something is beyond the bounds of what is acceptable or reasonable.

is simply atrocious

Replaces "utterly appalling" with "atrocious" to indicate extremely poor quality.

is deeply offensive

Highlights the insulting or upsetting nature of something.

is morally bankrupt

Indicates a severe lack of moral principles and ethical values.

is totally inexcusable

Suggests that there is no justification or excuse for something.

is quite scandalous

Highlights the shocking and disgraceful nature of something, often implying public outrage.

FAQs

How can I use "is utterly appalling" in a sentence?

Use "is utterly appalling" to express strong disapproval or shock. For example, "The neglect of the elderly in that care home is utterly appalling."

What are some alternatives to "is utterly appalling"?

You can use alternatives like "is completely unacceptable", "is absolutely dreadful", or "is truly horrific" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it appropriate to use "is utterly appalling" in formal writing?

Yes, "is utterly appalling" can be used in formal writing when expressing strong disapproval or shock about a serious matter. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall context of the writing.

What's the difference between "is appalling" and "is utterly appalling"?

Adding "utterly" intensifies the adjective "appalling", conveying a stronger sense of shock or disapproval. "Is utterly appalling" emphasizes the extreme nature of the situation or behavior being described.