quite appalling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite appalling" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when you are describing something as extremely unpleasant or distasteful. For example, "I found the conditions of the animal shelter quite appalling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Quite appalling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is quite appalling.

Independent

It was quite appalling.

Independent

"It's quite appalling.

The Guardian

And there have been quite appalling atrocities.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The document," he said, "would be quite appalling when it described the risks".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

First, he has got one over a legal system and political class whose timidity is quite simply appalling.

Independent

A vanity project for its writer/producer/director/star Tommy Wiseau, it is difficult to describe quite how appalling the film is.

Independent

"I think any suggestions frankly from you or from anybody else that this relates to Malcolm Fraser's death, I just find quite an appalling question, to be honest".

The Guardian

Clearly the Fritzl affair has influenced the script of Dogtooth, though the unnamed father in the film has yet to perpetrate anything quite as appalling.

The Guardian - Film

"The fact that children in your district went without the benefit of programs because these funds were not utilized is quite simply appalling," Mr. Fernandez said in a letter to the board.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite appalling" to express strong disapproval or shock, especially when describing situations, behaviors, or conditions that are morally or ethically questionable.

Common error

Avoid using "quite appalling" too frequently in casual settings, as it can sound overly dramatic or affected. Opt for milder expressions like "very bad" or "really disappointing" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

"Quite appalling" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to express a strong negative judgment. It intensifies the adjective "appalling", indicating a high degree of unpleasantness, unacceptability, or shock. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite appalling" serves as a powerful adjective phrase used to express strong disapproval or shock. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While its primary function is to convey a negative evaluation, its formality level is generally neutral. When writing, it's best practice to reserve this expression for serious situations where you want to communicate a strong negative sentiment, avoiding overuse in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "utterly dreadful" or "absolutely awful" can offer similar intensity. This expression is useful when we want to state how bad something can be, and as Ludwig confirms, it is correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite terrible

Highlights the severity and unpleasantness, emphasizing its negative impact.

utterly dreadful

Emphasizes the extremely negative quality, focusing on causing dismay or horror.

simply dreadful

Emphasizes the extremely unpleasant quality and causes dismay.

absolutely awful

Highlights the terrible and unpleasant nature of something.

thoroughly objectionable

Focuses on the quality of being unacceptable and causing strong disapproval.

completely unacceptable

Stresses the impossibility of being tolerated or allowed.

wholly inadequate

Emphasizes the deficiency and unsuitability for a specific purpose.

truly reprehensible

Focuses on the morally wrong and deserving condemnation aspect.

patently outrageous

Highlights the quality of being shockingly bad or excessive.

decidedly disappointing

Emphasizes the failure to meet expectations, leading to dissatisfaction.

FAQs

How can I use "quite appalling" in a sentence?

You can use "quite appalling" to describe something extremely unpleasant or unacceptable. For example, "The living conditions in the refugee camp were "quite appalling"".

What phrases are similar to "quite appalling"?

Similar phrases include "absolutely awful", "utterly dreadful", and "completely unacceptable". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "quite appalling"?

It is appropriate to use "quite appalling" in formal or serious contexts where you want to express strong disapproval or shock. It is less suitable for casual conversations where a milder expression would suffice.

Is "quite appalling" stronger than "appalling"?

Yes, adding "quite" intensifies the meaning of "appalling", making it a stronger expression of disapproval or shock. It emphasizes that something is extremely bad or unacceptable.