take a grim view of

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a grim view of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression used to describe someone who believes something is hopeless and likely to have a negative outcome. For example: Many of the people in this town take a grim view of the future job market in the area.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is no shortage of market bears who take a grim view of the stock market.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some veteran cops like Moskos, however, take a grim view on the future of violence in Baltimore, officer-involved or otherwise.

Vice

Not that "Gossamer Gallants," which takes a grim view of mating rituals, is necessarily sinister.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, investors are taking a grim view of the prospects for other investment banks like Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch.

The New York Times

Their 1990 song "Brother Jake" took a grim view of New Orleans; Jake returns home only to get killed.

The New York Times

The FA will live up to that responsibility.' The FA customarily takes a grim view of players and managers assaulting fans.

The Guardian - Sport

But others have taken a grim view of the production and an online campaign has gained momentum, with at least three Lancashire councillors throwing their weight behind the campaign, describing the musical as an "insult to the memories of the victims".

The Guardian

"I have a grim view of what is likely to happen to my children and grandchildren.

The Guardian

They carried a grim view of Farmingville, where, they knew, people took an unkind view of them.

The New York Times

I'm told that's a grim view of human nature.

The New Yorker

Mr. Zitwitz, who was educated in Germany, expressed a grim view of culture in America in an interview.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a grim view of" to convey a sense of pessimism or foreboding about a specific situation or outcome. This phrase is suitable when you want to emphasize the negative expectations someone has.

Common error

Avoid using "take a grim view of" excessively in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your tone seem consistently negative. Vary your language by using synonyms like "have a pessimistic outlook on" or "anticipate the worst in" to maintain a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a grim view of" functions as a verb phrase indicating an opinion or assessment characterized by pessimism. Ludwig shows it used in contexts where individuals or entities are evaluating situations with negative expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "take a grim view of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a pessimistic outlook or negative assessment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts. While effective in conveying negative expectations, it's important to avoid overuse and balance it with more positive or neutral language, as overusing "take a grim view of" can give a negative impression. Alternatives such as "have a pessimistic outlook on", "anticipate the worst in", and "see a bleak future for" can provide variety. The phrase's function is to indicate a belief that a situation is likely to result in unfavorable outcomes, and it's suitable for various registers without being overly formal or informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a pessimistic outlook on

Focuses more on the general disposition rather than a specific viewpoint.

anticipate the worst in

Emphasizes expecting negative outcomes.

see a bleak future for

Specifically relates to future prospects and emphasizes hopelessness.

expect negative outcomes regarding

More formal and focuses on anticipating undesirable results.

believe the worst will happen with

Highlights a belief in inevitable misfortune.

foresee a dire situation in

Implies a prediction of severe negative circumstances.

harbor grave concerns about

Emphasizes deep worry and apprehension.

think negatively about

A more general and less intense expression of disapproval or pessimism.

consider as unpromising

Highlights a lack of potential or hope.

be skeptical regarding

Focuses on doubt and disbelief in a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "take a grim view of" in a sentence?

You can use "take a grim view of" to express a pessimistic outlook. For example: "Many analysts "take a grim view of" the company's future prospects due to declining sales.".

What are some alternatives to "take a grim view of"?

Alternatives include "have a pessimistic outlook on", "anticipate the worst in", or "see a bleak future for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "take a grim view of" or "have a realistic view of"?

Whether to ""take a grim view of"" or "have a realistic view of" depends on the context. "Take a grim view of" suggests pessimism, while "have a realistic view of" implies an objective assessment, even if unfavorable.

When is it appropriate to "take a grim view of" something?

It's appropriate to ""take a grim view of"" something when the available evidence strongly suggests a negative outcome. However, be mindful of balancing realism with hope and proactive problem-solving.