major catastrophe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major catastrophe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant disaster or event that causes widespread damage or suffering. Example: "The earthquake was a major catastrophe that left thousands homeless and in need of assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a major catastrophe, what's happened here".

The New York Times

We're running out of red wine — a major catastrophe.

The New Yorker

The police arrived in time to prevent a major catastrophe.

The New Yorker

"We were able to avert a major catastrophe," he said.

The New York Times

We're running out of red wine a major catastrophe.

The New Yorker

The intersection of a hazard, high population, and high vulnerability can result in a major catastrophe.

Britannica

"You're an American citizen, this is a major catastrophe for the American country.

The New Yorker

"If she hadn't come here this would have been a major catastrophe," Mr. Young said.

The New York Times

"We're an organization looking to rebuild from a major catastrophe," Mr. Homan said.

The New York Times - Arts

That could have been a major catastrophe if we hadn't been able to piece it together".

The New York Times - Sports

"He saved the world from a major catastrophe," a dean at the University of California, Irvine, says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major catastrophe", consider the specific context and choose more descriptive language if possible to convey the exact nature and impact of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "major catastrophe" as a default descriptor for all negative events. Using more specific terms can provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major catastrophe" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common way to describe a significant disaster or event. The examples provided demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major catastrophe" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase employed to describe events of significant destruction or widespread suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common expression. It appears most often in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, consider if more specific language would improve clarity. Alternatives such as "significant disaster" or "serious calamity" can offer subtle differences in emphasis. While widely accepted, avoid overuse to maintain impact and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant disaster

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the disaster.

serious calamity

Highlights the severity and unfortunate nature of the event.

devastating event

Focuses on the destructive consequences of the occurrence.

widespread devastation

Highlights the extent and impact of the damage.

tragic occurrence

Emphasizes the sorrow and loss associated with the event.

grave crisis

Highlights the severity and critical nature of the situation.

severe hardship

Focuses on the difficulties and suffering caused by the event.

cataclysmic event

Implies a sudden and violent disaster.

unprecedented disaster

Highlights the unique and unparalleled nature of the catastrophe.

humanitarian crisis

Focuses on the widespread suffering and need for aid.

FAQs

How can I use "major catastrophe" in a sentence?

You can use "major catastrophe" to describe events that cause significant damage or suffering. For example, "The hurricane was a "major catastrophe" for the coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "major catastrophe"?

Alternatives include "significant disaster", "serious calamity", or "devastating event" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "major catastrophe" or "major disaster"?

"Major catastrophe" and "major disaster" are both correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "major catastrophe" from a "minor setback"?

"Major catastrophe" implies widespread damage, suffering, or loss, while a "minor setback" involves a temporary delay or difficulty that does not cause significant harm or disruption.