terrible event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible event" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a tragic or distressing occurrence. Example: The entire city was in shock after the terrible event of the school shooting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

More time past the terrible event.

The New York Times

Most terrible event in Darwin's life.

The New Yorker

Now the cost in human lives has greatly risen in a single terrible event.

The New York Times

That terrible event gave the isolation of Antarctica a different character.

The New Yorker

"There will be an opportunity for the students to talk about the terrible event," Klimpel said.

Independent

He added: "The accident last Tuesday was a terrible event for everyone involved.

Independent

McEwan's 1992 novel "Black Dogs" is about a terrible event that sunders a husband and wife.

The New Yorker

This was a terrible event, caused by a much more terrible event, which again brought to the surface the many troubling aspects of how the nuclear industry operates.

The Guardian

"A terrible event, seeing all those people die and a landmark go down like that".

The New York Times

4) An accident is a terrible event... Notice the location of the accident.

The Guardian

The consequences of that terrible event form the main story of "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terrible event", consider the emotional impact on your audience. Choose language that is sensitive and respectful of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible event" in contexts that sensationalize or trivialize serious situations. Ensure your language reflects the gravity of the event and avoids exploiting it for dramatic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible event" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing tragic occurrences and their aftermath.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrible event" is a commonly used phrase to describe significantly negative or distressing occurrences, as confirmed by Ludwig's AI and the numerous examples provided. The phrase is grammatically correct and functions primarily as a noun phrase. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "tragic incident" and "catastrophic occurrence" offer alternative phrasing, it's crucial to maintain sensitivity and avoid sensationalizing the described event. The phrase appears almost exclusively in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tragic incident

Focuses on the sorrowful nature of the occurrence.

catastrophic occurrence

Emphasizes the disastrous scale of the event.

awful episode

Highlights the unpleasant and distressing aspect of the event.

dreadful happening

Conveys a sense of fear and dismay associated with the event.

unfortunate circumstance

Underscores the unlucky and adverse nature of the situation.

grievous affliction

Highlights the suffering and distress caused by the event.

calamitous situation

Emphasizes the disastrous and ruinous nature of the event.

horrific experience

Focuses on the shocking and frightening aspect of the event.

devastating blow

Highlights the crushing and overwhelming impact of the event.

unhappy affair

Emphasizes the regrettable and unpleasant nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "terrible event" in a sentence?

You can use "terrible event" to describe something tragic. For example, "The city mourned after the "terrible event"".

What can I say instead of "terrible event"?

You can use alternatives like "tragic incident", "catastrophic occurrence", or "awful episode" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "terrible event" or "terrible incident"?

Both "terrible event" and "terrible incident" are correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Incident suggests something more specific or localized, while event is more broad.

What's the difference between "terrible event" and "horrific event"?

"Terrible event" generally describes something very bad or unpleasant, while "horrific event" emphasizes the shocking and appalling nature of the occurrence, suggesting a stronger emotional impact.