such a disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such a disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has caused a big problem or has gone very badly. For example, "The hurricane was such a disaster that it destroyed many homes in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We must avert such a disaster".

The New York Times

That might not be such a disaster.

The Economist

How could such a disaster happen?

The Guardian - Tech

"May God save us from such a disaster".

The New York Times

We must all come together to prevent such a disaster.

The Guardian - Opinion

"My feet are such a disaster," he says.

The New York Times - Arts

The global economic consequences of such a disaster are incalculable.

The New York Times

"This is such a disaster for us," said another resident.

The Guardian

Such a disaster in the region isn't merely theoretical.

The Guardian

But the odds of such a disaster unfolding are low.

The Guardian

As it turned out, my race wasn't such a disaster.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "such a disaster", ensure the context clearly establishes what event is being referred to, providing specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "such a disaster" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive or less impactful. Consider stronger, more specific vocabulary like "catastrophe" or "calamity" to enhance the tone and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a disaster" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It characterizes a specific event or situation as being extremely negative and unfortunate. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "such a disaster" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an extremely negative event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. More formal synonyms may be preferable in academic or professional writing. Remember to provide specific context when using "such a disaster" to ensure clarity. While suitable for most situations, be aware of potential overuse, particularly in formal contexts, where more precise vocabulary could enhance impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a calamity of this magnitude

This phrase emphasizes the scale and severity of the disaster, using 'magnitude' to highlight its impact.

a catastrophe of this nature

This alternative focuses on the inherent characteristics or type of the disaster, using 'nature' to specify its kind.

a tragedy of that proportion

This phrase highlights the disastrous event's impact in terms of its relative extent or degree.

a crisis of this severity

This alternative employs "crisis" to underscore the critical or decisive nature of the disastrous event.

an unfortunate event of this kind

This option uses more generic language, replacing "disaster" with "unfortunate event" to soften the expression.

an adversity of this magnitude

This option uses the word "adversity" to focus on the difficulties and challenges arising from the disaster.

a misfortunate circumstance of this level

This alternative uses the word "misfortunate" to focus on the accidental and unfortunate aspect, and 'level' refers to scale.

an incident of this scale

This option uses the word "incident" to describe the disastrous event.

a predicament of this degree

This phrase uses "predicament" to describe the problematic or difficult situation resulting from the disaster.

a setback of this proportion

This alternative uses the word "setback" to highlight the way the disaster negatively affects the progress or success.

FAQs

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

You can use "such a disaster" to refer to an event that has caused significant damage or hardship. For example, "The earthquake was "such a disaster" that many people lost their homes".

What are some alternatives to using "such a disaster"?

Alternatives include phrases like "catastrophe", "calamity", or "tragedy", depending on the specific context and the severity of the event you are describing.

Is "such a disaster" too informal for academic writing?

While not strictly informal, "such a disaster" can sometimes lack the precision and impact desired in academic writing. Consider using more specific and formal synonyms like "catastrophic event" or "severe calamity" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

How does the connotation of "such a disaster" differ from "a minor setback"?

"Such a disaster" implies a significant negative impact and widespread consequences, whereas "a minor setback" suggests a temporary and less severe obstacle. The choice depends on the scale and nature of the event being described.