terrible subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic that is unpleasant, difficult, or sensitive in nature. Example: "The documentary covered a terrible subject, focusing on the impact of war on children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

That's a terrible subject.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is that depressing thing, a very bad book on a very terrible subject.

The New York Times - Books

What he does is to enlist another writer who was finally defeated by his terrible subject, Primo Levi.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Gary called him "a terrible subject" for complicating the shooting schedule by sleeping during the day but noted that he also had the most expressive politics.

The New York Times - Arts

While the globe is formally gratifying, the terrible subject matter, abstracted into the neutralized language of modern cartography, remains visually and emotionally remote.

The New York Times - Arts

The novel takes a terrible subject — school violence — of which almost every grownup has an opinion, and Mr. Shepard writes about it from the perspective of one of the kids.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

As in any important piece of literature (and The Naked Lunch is very important) one ends by admiring the art which is able to transmute such terrible subject-matter into the pretext for a kind of joy (compare "King Lear").

The Guardian - Books

This is too terrible a subject by half.

Independent

Giving the character his own name allows him to approach this terrible historical subject with self-mocking indirectness.

The Guardian - Books

World War II is as fascinating and terrible a subject as we have, but America's role in defeating Germany and Japan has not been underestimated in this country.

The New York Times - Arts

And sidelining the creative subjects – terrible!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terrible subject", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the negativity, such as ethical concerns, emotional distress, or societal impact. This provides clarity and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible subject" in informal conversations where less severe alternatives like "unfortunate topic" or "tricky issue" would be more appropriate. Reserve it for situations where the gravity of the subject truly warrants such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible subject" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "terrible" modifies the noun "subject". This construction identifies a topic characterized by negative or distressing qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

17%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terrible subject" effectively denotes a topic fraught with negativity or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Usage is most common in News & Media, Books and Art, where it serves to express disapproval or concern. While acceptable in formal writing, consider context; less severe options may suit informal settings. Ensure clarity when using it, so there is no confusion for your target audience. Related phrases include "awful topic" and "dreadful theme".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awful topic

Replaces "terrible" with "awful", maintaining a similar negative connotation but with a slightly less intense emotional charge.

dreadful theme

Substitutes both "terrible" and "subject" with synonyms, altering the phrase while preserving the negative and thematic focus.

horrific matter

Emphasizes the horrifying aspect of the subject, increasing the intensity of the negative feeling.

unpleasant issue

Softens the negative impact by using "unpleasant" instead of "terrible", making the phrase less severe.

sensitive topic

Shifts the focus to the sensitivity of the subject, implying caution and care are needed when discussing it.

difficult matter

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the subject, rather than its unpleasantness.

problematic theme

Highlights the problematic nature of the subject, indicating potential issues or conflicts.

disturbing topic

Stresses the unsettling nature of the subject, emphasizing its capacity to cause anxiety or unease.

challenging subject

Emphasizes the difficulty and complexity involved in dealing with the subject.

uncomfortable issue

Highlights the unease associated with the issue, focusing on personal discomfort.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "terrible subject"?

Alternatives include "awful topic", "dreadful theme", "horrific matter", or "unpleasant issue", depending on the specific connotation you want to convey.

How do I use "terrible subject" in a sentence?

"Terrible subject" is typically used to describe a topic that is deeply unpleasant, distressing, or morally reprehensible. For example: "The documentary covered a terrible subject, focusing on the impact of war on children."

Is "terrible subject" too strong for formal writing?

While "terrible subject" is acceptable in formal writing, consider your audience and the specific context. In some cases, a more nuanced phrase like "sensitive topic" or "challenging subject" might be more appropriate.

What makes a subject "terrible"?

A subject is considered "terrible" when it involves themes or events that cause significant suffering, ethical dilemmas, or widespread negative consequences. It evokes strong feelings of unease, disgust, or moral outrage.