prove disastrous

USAGE SUMMARY

"prove disastrous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something has the potential to have a bad outcome or result. For example: "Cutting corners when constructing a bridge could prove disastrous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This may prove disastrous.

The Economist

That omission was to prove disastrous.

The New York Times

But that could prove disastrous.

The New York Times

It can prove disastrous, he says.

The New York Times

Politically, this "racist" strategy could prove disastrous.

The New York Times

This defect in Spanish strategy was to prove disastrous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Keeping all of the land could prove disastrous.

The New York Times

Not all will go well; some may prove disastrous.

The Economist

It was disembarkation, however, that would prove disastrous.

Independent

"Drilling expansion could prove disastrous for this sensitive environment".

Independent

Continuing to ignore this fact could prove disastrous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prove disastrous", ensure that the context clearly indicates the potential negative consequences. For example, "Ignoring safety protocols can "prove disastrous" for the entire team."

Common error

Avoid using "prove disastrous" when the outcome is merely uncertain or speculative. Reserve it for situations where there's a high probability of a significantly negative outcome. For less certain situations, consider phrases like "could be problematic" or "might present challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove disastrous" functions as a predictive expression, indicating that a present action or situation is likely to result in a very negative outcome in the future. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a wide variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prove disastrous" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something with a high likelihood of resulting in very negative consequences. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct and appropriate across various contexts, although careful consideration should be given to ensure its strong connotation aligns with the intended message. Remember to use it when the potential negative outcome is significant, avoiding overuse in situations with only speculative or minor issues. Numerous examples confirm its prominence in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, making it a valuable tool for expressing caution and conveying risk. Some great alternatives are "turn out catastrophic", "result in calamity", and "end in disaster".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn out catastrophic

Focuses on the eventual outcome being catastrophic.

result in calamity

Highlights the calamitous result of an action or situation.

end in disaster

Emphasizes the disastrous ending or conclusion.

become devastating

Stresses the devastating nature of the unfolding events.

prove ruinous

Highlights the ruinous effect.

lead to misfortune

Points to misfortune as the consequence.

precipitate failure

Focuses on hastening or causing failure.

spell doom

Indicates an ominous and inevitable negative outcome.

prove calamitous

Highlights the calamitous effect.

have dire consequences

Underscores the severity of the consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "prove disastrous" in a sentence?

Use "prove disastrous" to describe something that has the potential to result in a very negative outcome. For example: "Neglecting regular maintenance on machinery could "prove disastrous"".

What are some alternatives to "prove disastrous"?

Alternatives include "turn out catastrophic", "result in calamity", or "end in disaster", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "prove disastrous" and "might be difficult"?

"Prove disastrous" indicates a high likelihood of a very negative outcome, while "might be difficult" suggests a possible challenge or obstacle. The former implies a severe consequence, while the latter suggests a manageable problem.

Is it appropriate to use "prove disastrous" in formal writing?

Yes, "prove disastrous" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing potential consequences in reports, analyses, or academic papers. Ensure that the context supports the strong connotation of the phrase.