string of curses

USAGE SUMMARY

"string of curses" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a series or sequence of swear words or curses spoken or written by someone. Example: The angry man unleashed a string of curses as he stubbed his toe on the coffee table.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I let out a string of curses in Danish.

The New Yorker

Then I realized that Mama was reeling off the longest string of curses she'd ever uttered.

The New Yorker

Take the string of curses that one character heaps upon another.

The New Yorker

Our conversation consisted of a string of curses about Coach K and his features, with some debate over which breed of dinosaur Kyle Singler most resembles.

The New York Times

All we got was a string of curses.

Forbes

For example, on Halloween you can set your DoorJamz to play a howling wolf, a cackling witch, or maybe an audio recording of you screaming "I DON'T HAVE CANDY" followed by a long string of curses whenever those trick or treaters come to call.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"What sets apart the Christian market is an inspirational, uplifting message" — and the assurance that "I'm not going to open this book and find a string of curse words".

The New Yorker

"Living" stars Mr. Sigarev's wife, Yana Troyanova, an actress who manages to be simultaneously repugnant and luminous, and so at home in small-town Russia that, as The Moscow News put it recently, "Even a long string of curse words can suddenly turn poetic".

The New York Times

A strongly said conversation is better than a string of curse words.

WikiHow

She admits, once, to being scared, and even allows herself a string of internal curses.

The New York Times - Books

Heavyweight actors like Robert Duvall, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman and William H. Macy have taken on this major role, which includes one of the most famous first lines in modern theater: a string of five curses about a woman named Ruthie who begrudged Teach a piece of toast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "string of curses" to vividly describe someone's anger or frustration, particularly when they express it through a series of swear words. This phrase adds emphasis to the intensity of their emotional state.

Common error

While "string of curses" can be effective in fiction or informal contexts, refrain from using it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "string of curses" functions as a noun phrase that describes a series of offensive or impolite words. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing expressions of anger or frustration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "string of curses" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a series of offensive or impolite words, often expressing strong emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for descriptive writing, particularly in contexts where anger or frustration are being conveyed. While mainly found in news and media, its informal nature suggests caution in formal writing. Alternative phrases such as "torrent of expletives" or "stream of profanities" can be used to achieve a similar effect. Remember to use "string of curses" judiciously to effectively convey the intensity of emotion without compromising the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chain of expletives

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "chain" instead of "string".

stream of profanities

Highlights a continuous flow of offensive language.

torrent of expletives

Emphasizes a more forceful and continuous flow of swear words.

barrage of swear words

Suggests a concentrated and overwhelming outburst of profanity.

litany of obscenities

Implies a long and tedious recitation of curses.

series of swear words

A more literal and straightforward alternative.

tirade of abuse

Indicates a prolonged and bitter attack using offensive language.

outburst of foul language

Focuses on the sudden and uncontrolled nature of the swearing.

foul-mouthed rant

Describes an angry and unrestrained expression of profanity.

verbal abuse

A general term for offensive and harmful language.

FAQs

What does "string of curses" mean?

A "string of curses" refers to a series or sequence of swear words or offensive language, often used to express anger, frustration, or strong disapproval.

What can I say instead of "string of curses"?

You can use alternatives like "torrent of expletives", "barrage of swear words", or "stream of profanities" depending on the context.

How can I use "string of curses" in a sentence?

Example: "After dropping the hammer on his foot, he let out a "string of curses" that echoed through the garage."

Is "string of curses" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "string of curses" is generally considered informal and may not be appropriate for formal writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives such as "outburst of strong language" or "tirade".