makes for bleak reading

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The latest unemployment figures make for bleak reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To anyone who believes that diversity in education is a compelling goal in itself (like that noted radical Justice Kennedy), it makes for bleak reading.

The Economist

The suppression that followed makes for bleak reading.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pitt's tour through hell can make for bleak reading, but the endless dehumanization is always tempered by his improbable love for the country -- and indeed for Islam.

The New York Times - Books

It's no great surprise that home ownership among young people has fallen off a cliff – although the figures do make for bleak reading.

Vice

Although cancer survival improved for most cancers in both sexes during the 1990s, the figures for lung cancer make for bleak reading.

British Journal of Cancer

Harvard's general snapshot of 18- to 29-year-old likely voters makes for somewhat bleak reading.

Vice

Unlike John le Carré's work, they don't make for bleak or melancholic reading, and are often rather jaunty in tone.

The Guardian - Books

The numbers make for stark reading.

Independent

The statistic makes bleak reading for those who live and work in London.

BBC

Twenty-one months before the next presidential election, the latest polling data makes bleak reading for the President.

Independent

But these men are so silent in the assessment of their own lives, and this is such a sad and bleak story, that no matter how delicate the touch and how subtle the undercurrents, it makes for a sad, bleak read.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject of the sentence clearly refers to the information or situation that is causing the negative outlook.

Common error

Avoid using "makes for bleak reading" to describe personal feelings or opinions. It's best suited for summarizing objective data or factual information that presents a negative outlook.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes for bleak reading" functions as a comment on a particular set of information, indicating that the information is disheartening or pessimistic. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. The examples show its usage in describing various negative situations, from school segregation to cancer survival rates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes for bleak reading" is used to describe information that presents a discouraging or pessimistic view, as indicated by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound and commonly found in news and media contexts. While relatively uncommon, its use is appropriate for professional and neutral communications. Related phrases such as "presents a grim picture" or "offers a depressing outlook" provide alternative ways to express a similar sentiment. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the objective nature of the data, avoiding personal feelings. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and can be used in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rather disheartening

Expresses the disheartening effect of the information.

is deeply discouraging

Directly expresses the disheartening effect of the information.

offers a depressing outlook

Highlights the pessimistic and disheartening nature of the future.

presents a grim picture

Focuses on the visual aspect of a negative situation.

paints a discouraging scenario

Similar to 'presents a grim picture' but focuses on a possible sequence of events.

portrays a gloomy state of affairs

Highlights the unfortunate circumstances and conditions.

is hardly encouraging

Emphasizes the lack of positive aspects of the situation.

is a cause for concern

Emphasizes the worry and anxiety associated with the situation.

reveals a troubling trend

Focuses on the concerning direction or pattern.

is not a cause for celebration

Underlines the negative impact of the information by referencing a celebration.

FAQs

How can I use "makes for bleak reading" in a sentence?

Use "makes for bleak reading" to describe information or data that presents a discouraging or pessimistic view. For example, "The latest unemployment figures "makes for bleak reading"".

What does "makes for bleak reading" mean?

"Makes for bleak reading" means that something, typically data or a report, presents a discouraging or pessimistic view. It suggests that the information is likely to cause disappointment or concern.

What are some alternatives to "makes for bleak reading"?

Alternatives include "presents a grim picture", "offers a depressing outlook", or "is deeply discouraging". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. See more alternatives "offers a depressing outlook".

Is "makes for bleak reading" formal or informal?

"Makes for bleak reading" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both news articles and more formal reports. It's more descriptive than overly emotional or informal.