it is foul

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is foul" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unpleasant, disgusting, or morally objectionable. Example: "The smell coming from the garbage can is so strong that it is foul."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The job is as simple as it is foul.

The New Yorker

If fire explains heat, that is because it is always hot; but gold cannot explain fineness, because gold is not always fine; it is foul in cookware.

SEP

King James approved of card games "when you have no other thing ado ... and are weary of reading ... and when it is foul and stormy weather", but he considered chess to be "too obsessive a game".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

An emergency shrimping season was opened to allow shrimpers to scoop up their catch before it is fouled by oil.

Huffington Post

It was foul.

The New Yorker

It's foul, no foul.

The Guardian - Sport

Unless, of course, it was Foul Mouth.

The New York Times

I guess it was foul.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think it was foul play".

The New York Times

It was foul; it tasted like a drug store.

The New Yorker

It just worked out for me that it was foul.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is foul" to describe something, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a physical attribute (like a smell) or a moral quality. The term can apply to both, so clarity is key.

Common error

While "foul" is a valid word, using "it is foul" too often in formal writing can make your tone seem overly dramatic or informal. Consider using more precise and nuanced terms like "offensive", "unacceptable", or "despicable" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is foul" primarily functions as a declarative statement, expressing a judgment or opinion about something. It uses the verb "to be" to link the subject "it" with the adjective "foul", indicating a quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is foul" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey strong disapproval or disgust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, its register is best suited for neutral to slightly informal contexts, such as news articles and general discussions. For more formal settings, alternatives like "it is offensive" or "it is despicable" may be more appropriate. Remember to consider your audience and the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "it is foul" and its related phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is disgusting

Focuses on the repulsiveness, emphasizing a strong feeling of revulsion.

it is offensive

Highlights the quality of causing someone to feel resentful or upset.

it is despicable

Emphasizes the quality of deserving hatred and contempt.

it is reprehensible

Focuses on the moral wrongness and condemnation of the action or thing.

it is morally wrong

Explicitly states the lack of alignment with moral principles.

it is unfair

Highlights the lack of justice or equity in the situation.

it is unacceptable

Focuses on the inability to be tolerated or allowed.

it is appalling

Highlights the shocking and terrible nature of something.

it is outrageous

Emphasizes the shocking and unacceptable nature, often evoking anger.

it is atrocious

Stresses the extremely wicked or brutal nature of something.

FAQs

What does "it is foul" mean?

The expression "it is foul" means that something is extremely unpleasant, offensive, or morally wrong. It can refer to something physically disgusting, or something ethically objectionable.

What can I say instead of "it is foul"?

You can use alternatives like "it is disgusting", "it is offensive", or "it is despicable" depending on the context.

How do I use "it is foul" in a sentence?

You can use "it is foul" to express strong disapproval or disgust. For example, "The air in the factory was so polluted that it is foul", or "The treatment of prisoners was so inhumane that it is foul".

Is "it is foul" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it is foul" might be too informal or dramatic for some formal writing contexts. Consider using more neutral or precise alternatives to maintain a professional tone.