such a calamity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such a calamity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant disaster or unfortunate event, often with an emotional or dramatic tone. Example: "The earthquake caused such a calamity that the entire town was left in ruins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such a calamity is possible.

The Economist

After such a calamity, surely one should?

The New Yorker

Why did the downpour cause such a calamity?

The New York Times

Surely our city has never known such a calamity.

The New York Times

Such a calamity was first suggested by Kurt Vonnegut.

The New York Times

To prevent such a calamity, we have to lose energy as well as gain it.

University of California, Berkeley

This week work began on a project to re-establish agriculture should such a calamity occur.

The Economist

Would it be such a calamity if those numbers were reversed?

The New York Times

He added that he had never imagined that he himself would figure in such a calamity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even without that sad history, all nations owe our fellow human beings whatever resources it will take to help Haitians start to recover the tatters left after such a calamity.

Huffington Post

On camera, Snyderman admitted the mistake, took responsibility, expressed remorse, and vowed that the hospital would do everything it could to preclude such a calamity from ever happening again.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "such a calamity", ensure the context clearly establishes the disastrous event being referenced to maximize the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "such a calamity" to describe minor inconveniences; reserve it for genuinely serious or disastrous situations to maintain its appropriate gravitas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a calamity" functions as a descriptor, emphasizing the magnitude and negative impact of an event. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely used to highlight significant disasters. Examples show it modifying nouns implicitly, adding emotional weight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

8%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such a calamity" is a commonly used phrase to describe a significant disaster or misfortune. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to emphasize the magnitude and negative impact of an event. While alternatives like "such a disaster" and "such a catastrophe" exist, "such a calamity" carries a slightly more formal tone, making it well-suited for analytical reporting and serious discussions. Remember to reserve its use for genuinely significant events to maintain its intended gravitas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

such a catastrophe

Replaces "calamity" with "catastrophe", indicating a sudden and widespread disaster.

such a disaster

Substitutes "calamity" with "disaster", a more general term for a serious misfortune.

such a tragedy

Replaces "calamity" with "tragedy", emphasizing the sorrowful and grievous nature of the event.

such a misfortune

Substitutes "calamity" with "misfortune", softening the impact to refer to bad luck or an unfortunate event.

such a woe

Replaces "calamity" with "woe", indicating great sorrow or distress.

such a crisis

Substitutes "calamity" with "crisis", focusing on a time of intense difficulty or danger.

such an adversity

Replaces "calamity" with "adversity", highlighting a difficult or unpleasant situation.

such a tribulation

Substitutes "calamity" with "tribulation", suggesting a cause of great trouble or suffering.

such a setback

Replaces "calamity" with "setback", softening the impact to refer to an event that delays progress.

such a quandary

Substitutes "calamity" with "quandary", indicating a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do.

FAQs

How can I use "such a calamity" in a sentence?

You can use "such a calamity" to describe events like natural disasters, economic collapses, or significant personal losses. For example, "The hurricane was "such a calamity" that the region is still recovering years later."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "such a calamity"?

Alternatives to "such a calamity" include phrases like "such a disaster", "such a catastrophe", or "such a tragedy", each conveying a sense of significant misfortune or devastation.

When is it appropriate to use "such a calamity" instead of "a problem"?

"Such a calamity" is appropriate when the situation involves widespread damage, suffering, or loss, indicating a far greater severity than a typical "problem". It emphasizes the disastrous nature of the event.

Is "such a calamity" considered formal or informal language?

"Such a calamity" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for news reports, academic writing, and serious discussions. It's less common in casual conversation unless emphasizing the severity of a situation.