more horribly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more horribly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the degree of horror or unpleasantness of two or more situations or actions. Example: "The situation became more horribly chaotic as the storm intensified."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Those old enough will surely remember that the episode ended more horribly than it began.

The New York Times - Arts

Its subject couldn't be more horribly relevant, given this past weekend's massacre in Orlando.

The Guardian - Music

But it is even more horribly true that England are shapeless and clueless.

The Guardian - Sport

That makes "Valentine Road" a real teaching tool, one that shows how intricate even the more horribly straightforward moments in life can be.

The New York Times - Arts

But the timing could not have been more horribly ironic: Solti conducted a fine performance for the UN members and secretary-general Boutros-Boutros Ghali. Boutros-Boutros Ghali

The Guardian - Music

I'm pretty sure I've done it myself a few times over the years, but the older I get, the more horribly wrong I think I was.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Instead, as they did when they froze against Liverpool after taking the lead at Wembley last year, it was only misery for Moyes and his players as they once more choked horribly in the face of opportunity.

BBC

And according to an Army Environmental Policy Institute report, 170 soldiers died and many more were horribly maimed just protecting fuel in combat zones during 2007.

Huffington Post

The price of gas has just become horribly more expensive, not in treasure but in blood.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, for all the activities of some companies, Indian business, as one of its practitioners-turned-activists puts it, is doing "close to zero .Against such a background, forecasts of millions more infections seem horribly plausible.

The Economist

Frum, the author of "Why Romney Lost," told me, "I feel like I'm living within a nightmare version of my hopes for conservative reform, with everything from immigration restriction to more infrastructure investment horribly twisted and distorted".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more horribly", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is already horrible. This comparative form works best when contrasting two unpleasant situations, emphasizing the increased severity of one over the other.

Common error

Avoid using "more horribly" when simply describing a single horrible event. Instead, reserve this phrase for situations where you are explicitly comparing two or more events or aspects to highlight the escalation of horror or unpleasantness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more horribly" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier in a comparative sense. It intensifies the degree to which an action or situation is horrible, indicating a heightened state of unpleasantness or dread. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in emphasizing escalation of negativity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more horribly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to intensify the degree of horror or unpleasantness in a comparative context. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various reputable sources, most notably in News & Media. The phrase functions to emphasize an escalation of negativity, making it appropriate for scenarios where a comparison highlights the increased severity. When choosing to use "more horribly", consider alternatives such as "more dreadfully" or "even more terribly" to add nuance to your writing. Always ensure the context warrants a comparison to effectively employ this impactful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more dreadfully

Focuses on inspiring fear or deep unhappiness, differing slightly in emotional tone.

even more terribly

Emphasizes the extent of being terrible, adding a layer of intensity.

far more awfully

Highlights the appalling or unpleasant nature to a greater degree.

more frighteningly

Specifically relates to the increase in fear or alarm caused by something.

more appallingly

Stresses the shocking and reprehensible nature of something in comparison.

more atrociously

Highlights the extremely wicked or brutal quality, differing in intensity.

more hideously

Focuses on repulsiveness or ugliness to a greater extent.

more distressingly

Emphasizes the degree to which something causes sorrow or pain.

more gruesomely

Relates to the increase in repulsiveness, especially involving violence or injury.

more ghastly

Highlights the horror and shock associated with something, differing in emotional impact.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "more horribly" in a sentence?

Use "more horribly" when you want to compare two scenarios, indicating that one is a heightened or aggravated form of the other. For example, "The consequences became "even more horribly" apparent after the second mistake."

What are some alternatives to using "more horribly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more dreadfully", "even more terribly", or "far more awfully" to express a similar sentiment of increased negativity.

Is "more horribly" always the best phrase to use when describing something terrible?

Not always. It's essential to consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you're not comparing two scenarios, a simpler term like "horribly" might be "more appropriate".

What's the difference between "horribly" and "more horribly"?

"Horribly" describes something that is terrible or unpleasant. "More horribly" is used to compare two things, indicating that one is an increased or exacerbated version of the other. Use "horribly" when describing a single, awful event; use "more horribly" when comparing two awful events.