kind of appalling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of appalling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a mild degree of shock or disapproval about something that is considered disturbing or unacceptable. Example: "The lack of response from the authorities regarding the issue was kind of appalling to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

There is this kind of appalling kind of cultural tragedy that happens with enslavement, this rift, this tear across peoples.

The New York Times - Arts

It was actually kind of appalling," said Alan D. Viard, a tax expert at the American Enterprise Institute, a right-of-center research group in Washington.

The New York Times

The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn warned against allowing "communities to be divided by this kind of appalling, atrocious act of violence".

The Guardian

Not a man with an interest in turning his fiddle and banjo skills into some kind of appalling post-Mumfords turn, his work stays close to the ground.

The Guardian - Music

"That's exactly the kind of appalling hypocrisy that Bruce was against, and I'm sure he would have built up a wonderful routine about it," Mr. Garbus said.

The New York Times

"For me it was just kind of appalling to think we had to haul this water by the truck to another facility 50, 60 miles away and then layer on top of this the environmental impact".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's not a representative experience, but I include it here as a kind of counterpoint equally appalling but wholly different in other ways to McKenna's experiences.

Vice

I see labs sometimes that are just kind of empty on weekends, and I find that sort of appalling".

Science Magazine

"With all that the children of Afghanistan have gone through, to expose them to this kind of violence is appalling," Bernt Aasen, the UNICEF representative here, said in a recent statement.

The Washington Post

The prospect of the police shooting at unarmed demonstrators with any kind of bullet is frankly appalling, un-British and reminiscent of scenes currently being used by murderous dictatorships in the Middle East".

The Guardian

"There was a kind of perception that, despite appalling evidence to the contrary, the closer you are to Afghanistan, the greater the risk," Maurice Flanagan, the airline's top executive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of appalling" to express a moderate level of shock, disapproval, or disgust. It's suitable when you want to convey your sentiment without being overly dramatic or harsh.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of appalling" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your language seem vague and uncommitted. Vary your expressions with more specific and impactful adjectives to convey your feelings more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of appalling" functions as an adjectival modifier, softening the intensity of the adjective "appalling". As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is deemed acceptable and frequently used to convey a mild sense of shock or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of appalling" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a moderate degree of shock or disapproval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It serves to soften the impact of the adjective "appalling", making it suitable for situations where a less intense expression is desired. While alternatives like "somewhat shocking" or "rather disturbing" exist, "kind of appalling" offers a distinct nuance that balances criticism with restraint. Remember to avoid overuse and be mindful of the context to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat shocking

Less intense; implies a degree of surprise and disapproval.

rather disturbing

Focuses on the unsettling nature of something.

a bit dreadful

More informal; suggests something is unpleasant or of poor quality.

mildly horrifying

Emphasizes the fear-inducing aspect but to a lesser degree.

slightly outrageous

Highlights the unacceptable nature of something, with less emphasis on shock.

somewhat dismaying

Focuses on the disappointment and discouragement caused.

rather disappointing

Emphasizes the failure to meet expectations.

a little sickening

Focuses on causing a feeling of disgust or revulsion.

slightly regrettable

Highlights the undesirable consequences or actions.

somewhat reprehensible

More formal; suggests strong disapproval and moral condemnation.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of appalling" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of appalling" to express that something is somewhat shocking or disturbing. For example, "The lack of support for the victims was "kind of appalling"."

What are some alternatives to "kind of appalling"?

Alternatives include "somewhat shocking", "rather disturbing", or "a bit dreadful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "kind of appalling"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "Kind of" functions as an adverbial modifier, softening the adjective "appalling". It's commonly used in spoken and written English to express a mitigated opinion.

What's the difference between "kind of appalling" and "absolutely appalling"?

"Kind of appalling" expresses a moderate degree of shock or disapproval, while "absolutely appalling" indicates a much stronger, more intense feeling of disgust or horror.