making a hell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a hell" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express creating chaos or a difficult situation, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The project was so poorly managed that it ended up making a hell of a mess."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

My car was making a hell of a noise.

The Guardian

The French fans don't care, they're making a hell of a racket anyway.

The Guardian - Sport

"The Twenty20s are about to start, we're gonna be making a hell of a lot of money," Majeed added.

The Guardian - Sport

This was during the blackout, a few weeks ago, when anyone who was near trees might suddenly have noticed, in the absence of some of the other usual night noises — air-conditioners, floor waxers, Ernie Anastos — that the bugs, whatever they were, were making a hell of a racket.

The New Yorker

As he glanced at the field, where the Yankees were taking batting practice, Cashman said, "You can take Melky's name and change it with a lot of guys who are on the field right now — and they're making a hell of a lot more money than Melky Cabrera".

The New York Times - Sports

Thirty-year-old David Gantner is making a hell of a run at it.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Dubie made a hell of a play".

The New York Times - Sports

It makes a hell of a difference.

The New Yorker

He made a hell of a landing".

The Guardian

Sleep deprivation can make a hell of your health.

Harvard University

And, boy, that makes a hell of a life".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more conventional expressions like "raising hell", "creating a mess", or "causing chaos" to convey the intended meaning of causing trouble or disorder. This will improve clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "making a hell" in formal contexts or when aiming for precise communication. The phrase can be vague and may not effectively convey the desired level of intensity or specific type of disruption. Opt for clearer alternatives that accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a hell" functions as a verb phrase, where "making" is the verb and "a hell" is the direct object. However, the construction is not grammatically standard. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "making a hell" appears in various contexts, including news and media, it is considered grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. It aims to convey the creation of a chaotic or difficult situation, but lacks precision. For clearer communication, alternative phrases such as "creating a mess" or "causing chaos" are recommended. The phrase is generally informal and should be used cautiously in formal or professional settings. Despite appearing in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times, its non-standard nature suggests a need for careful consideration in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating a mess

Replaces "hell" with "mess", softening the intensity and focusing on disorder.

causing chaos

Focuses on the disruptive aspect, replacing the metaphorical "hell" with a direct term.

making a disaster

Emphasizes the catastrophic outcome, similar to creating a "hell" for someone.

raising hell

A more common idiom that suggests causing trouble or disturbance.

stirring up trouble

Highlights the act of initiating problems or difficulties.

making a commotion

Focuses on creating a noisy disturbance or uproar.

wreaking havoc

Suggests widespread destruction or disorder.

causing a ruckus

Implies creating a noisy and chaotic situation.

making a scene

Focuses on creating a public disturbance or spectacle.

unleashing fury

Highlights the intense emotional or destructive force being released.

FAQs

What does "making a hell" mean?

The phrase "making a hell" is not a standard English idiom, but it generally implies creating a very unpleasant or chaotic situation. Consider using more common expressions like "raising hell" or "creating chaos" for better clarity.

How can I use "making a hell" in a sentence?

While not grammatically standard, you might use "making a hell" informally to describe someone causing significant trouble or disruption. However, it's advisable to opt for clearer alternatives such as "making a mess" or "causing a disaster" for better understanding.

What are some alternatives to "making a hell"?

Several phrases can replace "making a hell" depending on the intended meaning. Consider using "creating chaos", "raising hell", or "stirring up trouble" for more conventional and understandable expressions.

Is "making a hell" grammatically correct?

No, "making a hell" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use established idioms or phrases like "making a mess" or "causing havoc" for clarity and accuracy.