monstrous event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "monstrous event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that is extremely large, terrible, or shocking in nature. Example: "The earthquake was a monstrous event that left the entire city in ruins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Winston Churchill (then a Liberal) said it was "a monstrous event" and "a slaughter".

The Guardian - Opinion

The year after the massacre, Winston Churchill said it was "a monstrous event".

The Guardian

While there was obviously no equivalence between that monstrous event and the death of Mr. Summerall at 82, Mr. Olden sensed a rewrite was in order.

The New York Times

As war secretary in 1920, Churchill described the shootings as "a monstrous event, an event which stands in singular and sinister isolation".

The Guardian

Dyer was ordered to retire and Winston Churchill told parliament at the time that the massacre was "an extraordinary event, a monstrous event, an event which stands in singular and sinister isolation".

The Guardian

Anyhoo, I had the pleasure of seeing Karl speak recently at Inbound 18, the monstrous event that HubSpot puts on each fall in Boston.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But Losey's approach to the monstrous events was marked by his singular way with the cinema.

The New Yorker

What life delivers to us forms us all, but as surely as random and sometimes monstrous events shape our lives, so too does our response to those events.

The New York Times - Books

What Benjamin described is what people call the Kafkaesque, a quality that abounds in the animal stories, since they are full of another of its key elements — incongruous responses to monstrous events.

The New Yorker

Spike Lee took one of the most monstrous events of the civil rights era and turned it into FOUR LITTLE GIRLS (1997), an eloquent documentary about the 1963 church bombing in Birmingham, Ala.

The New York Times

Here it is meant to be used as a diagnostic aid in understanding the roots of the monstrous events depicted in the second act, when Mr. Miller, tensely febrile, and Mr. Rogers, gangly and anxious, play the deeply troubled Harris and Klebold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "monstrous event" to describe events that are not only large in scale but also deeply disturbing or morally reprehensible. It is most effective when conveying a sense of outrage or shock.

Common error

Avoid using "monstrous event" to describe trivial or minor incidents. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations of genuine severity to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "monstrous event" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "monstrous" modifies the noun "event". It serves to emphasize the extreme negativity, horror, or moral reprehensibility associated with the event in question. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "monstrous event" is a noun phrase used to describe an event of extreme negativity, horror, or moral reprehensibility. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. The phrase often appears in news and media contexts. While not exceptionally common, its usage is clear and impactful when employed appropriately. Alternatives such as ""horrific occurrence"" or ""terrible incident"" can be used to achieve a similar effect. It's important to reserve this phrase for truly severe situations to maintain its power and avoid overuse in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrific occurrence

Replaces "monstrous" with a more direct term emphasizing horror, maintaining a formal tone.

terrible incident

Uses "terrible" to convey a sense of gravity and misfortune, which is a common alternative.

atrocious happening

Emphasizes the wickedness and cruelty of the event, adding a moral dimension.

appalling episode

Highlights the shocking and disturbing nature of the event, making it very similar in meaning.

egregious situation

Focuses on the outstandingly bad and shocking nature of the event, often implying a violation of standards.

dreadful affair

Conveys a sense of fear and foreboding associated with the event, adding an emotional layer.

outrageous incident

Emphasizes the event's capacity to provoke anger and shock due to its extreme nature.

shocking occurrence

Directly points out the event's ability to surprise and disturb.

horrendous episode

Similar to "horrific occurrence" but perhaps slightly more intense in its negative connotation.

ghastly event

Emphasizes the repulsiveness and horror of the event, making it very impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "monstrous event" in a sentence?

You can use "monstrous event" to describe a situation that is shockingly evil or wrong. For example: "The Amritsar massacre was a "monstrous event" that Winston Churchill condemned."

What are some alternatives to "monstrous event"?

Alternatives include "horrific occurrence", "terrible incident", or "atrocious happening", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "monstrous event" in formal writing?

Yes, "monstrous event" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a deeply disturbing or morally reprehensible occurrence. However, be mindful of the context and ensure the tone aligns with the severity of the situation.

What distinguishes "monstrous event" from a "bad event"?

"Monstrous event" implies a far greater degree of negativity and moral outrage than "bad event". "Monstrous" suggests something shockingly evil or wrong, while "bad" is a more general term for something undesirable.