it is awful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is awful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express displeasure or to describe something negative. For example: "The state of the economy is awful; jobs are hard to come by and wages remain low."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A: It is awful.

The Washington Post

"It is awful here.

The Guardian

Generally, it is awful".

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, in fact, it is awful.

The New York Times

It is awful being 16.

The Guardian - Books

Everything about it is awful.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She added: "It is awful.

The Guardian

But yes, it is awful.

The Guardian - Sport

It is awful, like sweet tar.

The Guardian - Travel

One Labour strategist said: "It is awful.

The Guardian

Because so much of it is awful".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is awful" to express strong disapproval or disappointment. However, be mindful of your audience and consider softer alternatives if a direct approach is inappropriate.

Common error

While "it is awful" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more nuanced language such as "it is deeply regrettable" or "it leaves much to be desired" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is awful" primarily functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a strong negative assessment of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable way to express displeasure. Examples in Ludwig show its application across varied contexts, from personal experiences to broader societal issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is awful" serves as a straightforward and widely recognized way to express strong negative feelings or opinions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and usable across numerous contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting comfortably into diverse communicative settings. While synonyms like "it is terrible" or "it is dreadful" exist, "it is awful" remains a common and effective choice for conveying displeasure or disapproval. Consider the specific context and audience to decide if a more formal alternative is needed, but overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for expressing negative sentiment clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's terrible

Replaces "awful" with "terrible", a common synonym expressing strong negativity.

it's dreadful

Substitutes "awful" with "dreadful", implying something causing great fear or suffering.

it's appalling

Replaces "awful" with "appalling", suggesting something shocking and deeply disturbing.

it's atrocious

Uses "atrocious" instead of "awful", indicating something extremely wicked or brutal.

it's horrifying

Replaces "awful" with "horrifying", emphasizing the capacity to cause horror.

it's quite bad

Uses a more understated phrasing to express a negative sentiment.

it leaves much to be desired

Employs a polite way of saying that something is not good.

it's far from ideal

Replaces the direct negativity with a softer suggestion of imperfection.

it is deeply regrettable

Formal expression indicating sorrow or disappointment about a situation.

it's a crying shame

Expresses regret or disapproval in a more idiomatic and emphatic manner.

FAQs

How can I use "it is awful" in a sentence?

You can use "it is awful" to express strong disapproval or negativity, for example: "The food was terrible, "it is awful"." or "It is awful to see such suffering."

What are some alternatives to "it is awful"?

Some alternatives to "it is awful" include "it is terrible", "it is dreadful", or "it is appalling". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is awful" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "it is awful" might be perceived as too informal in some professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "it is deeply regrettable" or "it leaves much to be desired" for a more professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "it is awful"?

"It is awful" is appropriate when you want to express strong disapproval, disappointment, or negativity. However, consider your audience and the context to determine if a more nuanced or formal expression would be more suitable.