makes for grim reading

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes for grim reading" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
You could use it when describing a text that is difficult or unpleasant to read, or that contains difficult news. For example, "The recent report on unemployment in the country makes for grim reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It makes for grim reading.

The Economist

"A Preparation for Death" makes for grim reading.

The New Yorker

For residents, the plan makes for grim reading.

The New York Times

The charge sheet against Lloyds makes for grim reading.

The Guardian - Business

The reality of Britain's transport system makes for grim reading.

The Guardian - Opinion

A new report by an international coalition of marine scientists makes for grim reading.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Such developments make for grim reading.

The New York Times

The figures make for grim reading.

The Guardian - Money

The statistics about employee engagement make for grim reading.

The Guardian

However, the company's own list made for grim reading.

The Guardian - Tech

To approximately no one's surprise, last year's figures made for grim reading.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes for grim reading" when you want to convey that something is unpleasant or depressing to read about, often due to the difficult or negative information it contains. It adds a touch of understated seriousness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "makes for grim reading" in overly casual or lighthearted contexts. The phrase carries a certain weight and is best suited for serious or formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes for grim reading" functions as a comment on the nature of the text being read. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that the text is unpleasant or depressing. It essentially acts as an adjectival phrase modifying the implied subject (the text).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "makes for grim reading" is a phrase used to describe text that is unpleasant or depressing to read. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various News & Media contexts to signal that the content is serious and possibly upsetting. While frequently found in News & Media sources, it is appropriate to reserve such somber expressions for similar contexts. Remember to use this phrase to indicate that the information presented carries negative information that may be disappointing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is depressing to read

Focuses directly on the depressing effect of the reading material.

paints a bleak picture

Emphasizes the hopelessness and negativity of the situation described.

is a sobering account

Highlights the serious and thought-provoking nature of the reading.

is deeply unsettling

Focuses on the disturbing and disquieting nature of the content.

is a cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the worrying implications of the information presented.

offers a pessimistic view

Highlights the negative outlook presented in the material.

is not a pleasant read

A more understated way of saying the reading is unpleasant.

reveals a troubling situation

Emphasizes the problematic and concerning aspects of the situation.

is a disheartening report

Highlights the discouraging nature of the information.

is a source of anxiety

Focuses on the anxiety-inducing aspects of the reading material.

FAQs

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

You can use "makes for grim reading" to describe a report, article, or situation that is unpleasant or depressing to read about. For example, "The latest climate change report "makes for grim reading"."

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

Some alternatives to "makes for grim reading" include "is depressing to read", "paints a bleak picture", or "is a sobering account". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "makes for grim reading" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

Yes, "makes for grim reading" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing serious or negative topics. It is commonly found in news reports and analytical articles.

What does "makes for grim reading" imply about the subject matter?

"Makes for grim reading" implies that the subject matter is likely to be upsetting, discouraging, or otherwise unpleasant to learn about. It sets the expectation that the reading experience will be challenging or disheartening.