nasty places

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nasty places" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe locations that are unpleasant, dirty, or undesirable in some way. Example: "The abandoned building was filled with trash and had a foul smell, making it one of the nastiest places in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"They both took the figure to some nasty places," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

We want a couple of crack divisions that can fight with us in nasty places if necessary.

The New York Times

More worryingly, perhaps, so was I. (They can be nasty places, staff rooms, much crueller than the playground).

The Guardian

Consequently, some holes are to be found in nasty places and even though they are eight inches in diameter, the short game has become a lottery.

Independent

But there are also seriously nasty places, such as Lagos, where a recent government campaign to promote tourism was greeted with howls of laughter by the locals.

The Economist

And nothing will happen to the Bush administration officials who authorized "extraordinary rendition"— the illegal practice of seizing people and flying them to nasty places where interrogators can brutalize them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In recent years, several hundred thousand children had dropped out or had been pulled out of school "because they weren't learning anything, and schools were nasty, filthy places," said Robert Gordon, director of operations for Creative Associates International, the company involved.

The New York Times

A closet's a really nasty place to live, you know?

Independent

England should win this, but Murrayfield is a nasty place to go and try to win.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead he set it back Right in the same nasty place.

The New York Times - Arts

"I can't imagine a more impossible job, in a more nasty place.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nasty places" to vividly describe locations that are not only unpleasant but also potentially dangerous or morally questionable. This adds a layer of intensity compared to simply saying "bad places".

Common error

Avoid using "nasty places" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal or subjective. Opt for more neutral or precise terms like "undesirable locations" or "areas of concern" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nasty places" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "nasty" modifies the noun "places". It describes locations characterized by unpleasant or undesirable qualities. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase effectively conveys a negative attribute associated with a specific location.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nasty places" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe unpleasant or undesirable locations. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is used correctly and is usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively conveys a negative sentiment toward a location. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "unpleasant locations" in academic or professional settings. Key to remember is that while the phrase is accurate, understanding its register is important for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant locations

Replaces "nasty" with a more formal synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

awful locations

Substitutes "nasty" with a stronger, more negative adjective.

terrible locations

Similar to "awful locations", using another strong negative adjective.

undesirable areas

Replaces both words with synonyms, focusing on the lack of desirability.

grim locations

Uses "grim" to emphasize the bleak and depressing nature of the places.

horrid locations

Employs "horrid" to convey a sense of disgust and unpleasantness.

dreadful locations

Replaces "nasty" with "dreadful", suggesting fear and aversion.

filthy locations

Focuses on the physical uncleanliness of the places.

unsavory areas

Replaces "nasty" with "unsavory", suggesting moral or ethical objections.

squalid areas

Uses "squalid" to emphasize the poverty and degradation of the locations.

FAQs

What does "nasty places" mean?

The phrase "nasty places" refers to locations that are extremely unpleasant, often due to dirt, danger, or immoral activity.

What can I say instead of "nasty places"?

You can use alternatives like "unpleasant locations", "awful locations", or "undesirable areas" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "nasty places" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "nasty places" may be considered too informal for certain types of formal writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives.

How does the connotation of "nasty places" differ from "dangerous places"?

"Nasty places" implies a sense of disgust and unpleasantness, while "dangerous places" /s/dangerous+places focuses on the potential for harm or injury. The phrases can overlap, but their primary focus differs.