nasty plot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nasty plot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scheme or plan that is unpleasant, malicious, or morally questionable. Example: "The detective uncovered a nasty plot to undermine the city's leadership, revealing the lengths to which some would go for power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Body Double (1985, 18, Col-TriStar, DVD/Retail, Rental) Brian De Palma's audacious reworking of familiar Hitchcockian themes and situations is set in Hollywood and features super-wimp Craig Wasson as a second-rate actor who becomes the Rear Window, Vertigo-style fall guy of a nasty plot involving skin-flick actress Melanie Griffith.

The Guardian - Film

It's all a nasty plot by the Obama administration to leave the states on the hook for mass transit systems that will never produce net revenue, thereby financially strangling states already coping with budget deficits.

Huffington Post

Use Dark Void, Dark Pulse, Dream Eater, & Nasty Plot.

WikiHow

The father Pokemon gives the moves, the mother Pokémon gives the species, so to get a Nasty Plot Houndour, you could breed a boy Shiftry with Nasty Plot with a girl Houndoom.

WikiHow

However, if you plan on Baton Passing Nasty Plot or Swords Dance, having more of one type of attack than the other will broaden your options a bit.

WikiHow

Evolving Murkrow allows it to learn techniques that can only be used by Honchkrow, such as Night Slash and Nasty Plot.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

8.27pm: Karol's nasty little plot to get Dominique imprisoned for his murder has backfired – she's in jail, he still loves her, what's a jealous ex-husband to do? We'll never know, because that's where Kieslowski cuts the story off.... 8.29pm: Thanks for watching – Three Colours White is definitely a lot more fun than Blue, but then again it's not so thematically ambitious.

The Guardian - Film

He would always have a supply on hand -- and he neatly sidestepped nasty poisoning plots.

The New York Times

And what should be a tantalizing series of nasty teases in plotting registers instead as a premapped, much-traveled path.

The New York Times

And what should be a tantalizing series of nasty teases in plotting registers instead as a pre-mapped, much-traveled path.

The New York Times

Take the American reissue of my fourth novel Game Control – a wicked, nasty novel about a plot to kill two billion people overnight.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nasty plot" to add an emotional layer or emphasize the unpleasantness of a scheme

Common error

While "nasty plot" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound informal in formal or professional writing. Opt for alternatives like "malicious scheme" or "wicked plan" in such cases to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nasty plot" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "nasty" modifies the noun "plot". It typically describes a scheme, plan, or conspiracy that is unpleasant, malicious, or morally reprehensible. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nasty plot" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe an unpleasant or malicious scheme. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers guidance. While generally neutral in register, it is more common in news and media contexts. When using "nasty plot", consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a more formal alternative like "malicious scheme" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the context to ensure your writing maintains the desired tone and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious scheme

Emphasizes the intent behind the plot being driven by malice.

wicked plan

Highlights the immoral or evil nature of the plan.

evil scheme

Focuses on the inherently malevolent quality of the scheme.

devious plot

Suggests a cunning and underhanded approach to the plot.

treacherous plan

Implies betrayal and danger associated with the plan.

dishonorable scheme

Highlights the lack of integrity in the scheme.

villainous plot

Directly associates the plot with a villainous character or intent.

unscrupulous plan

Emphasizes the lack of moral principles in the plan.

insidious scheme

Suggests a subtle and gradual harmful effect of the scheme.

corrupt plan

Implies the plan is tainted by corruption and dishonesty.

FAQs

How can I use "nasty plot" in a sentence?

You can use "nasty plot" to describe a scheme that is unpleasant or morally questionable. For example: "The movie revolves around a "nasty plot" to steal the company's secrets".

What are some alternatives to "nasty plot"?

Alternatives include "malicious scheme", "wicked plan", or "evil scheme", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "nasty plot" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "nasty plot" might be considered informal in some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "malicious scheme" to maintain a professional tone.

What makes a plot described as "nasty"?

A "nasty plot" is characterized by its unpleasantness, malicious intent, or morally questionable nature. It often involves deception, betrayal, or harm to others.