that sounds dire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that sounds dire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or alarm about a situation that seems serious or threatening. Example: "After hearing the news about the storm approaching, I must say, that sounds dire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That sounds dire.

The Economist

If that sounds dire, the series keeps a dry sense of humor about itself, with tongue-in-cheek observations and asides.

The New York Times

All of that sounds dire.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This sounds dire, but the title was also inspired by a set of lyrics that Carl Hancock Rux derived from the Book of Revelation, and which accompanies a section of the piece.

The New Yorker

"The situation at the NRC sounds dire," wrote Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky). in a letter to President Barack Obama, "leaving me very concerned that the Chairman is unable to lead the Commission in the fulfillment of its responsibilities".

Huffington Post

And the situation sounds dire in Italy.

The New York Times

It sounds dire, but for the U.F.L., it is business as usual.

The New York Times - Sports

— Steven W. Running, Ecophysiologist, University of Montana The situation certainly sounds dire, but let us pause and play devil's advocate for a moment.

The New York Times

And while the quote makes AT&T's plight sounds dire, in 2015, AT&T's "Legacy voice and data service" revenues for business and residential services was still about $24 billion.

Huffington Post

The White House wasted no time in naming BP as the "responsible party" and the more excitable of Wall Street's analysts sounded dire warnings that the company was destined for bankruptcy, or at least permanent banishment from business in the US.

The Guardian - Business

The situation in education may sound dire and grim but the fact that our nation is currently identifying the trends in education that do/don't work, there is hope that we are collectively attempting to work out a very large problem.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that sounds dire" to express concern or alarm when summarizing a situation, especially when it involves potential negative outcomes.

Common error

While effective, "that sounds dire" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "that sounds alarming" or "that sounds critical" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that sounds dire" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a negative assessment or concern about a previously mentioned situation or information. As indicated by Ludwig, it serves to highlight the seriousness or potential negative consequences of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that sounds dire" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to convey concern or alarm about a serious situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While the phrase appears primarily in News & Media contexts, and is relatively infrequent, it serves a clear purpose in expressing negative evaluations. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "that sounds terrible" or "that sounds alarming". Using this phrase correctly can effectively communicate the gravity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that sounds terrible

Replaces "dire" with a more common synonym, "terrible".

that sounds awful

Uses "awful" instead of "dire", indicating something unpleasant or distressing.

that sounds alarming

Emphasizes the aspect of causing alarm or concern.

that sounds critical

Implies a state of urgency or seriousness.

that sounds grave

Uses "grave" to suggest a serious or worrying situation.

that sounds precarious

Highlights the instability or uncertainty of the situation.

that sounds ominous

Suggests a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

that sounds fraught

Implies that the situation is filled with anxiety or stress.

that sounds bleak

Focuses on the lack of hope or optimism.

that sounds catastrophic

Highlights the potentially disastrous consequences.

FAQs

What does "that sounds dire" mean?

The phrase "that sounds dire" expresses concern or alarm about a situation that seems very serious or threatening. It indicates a negative assessment of the circumstances.

What can I say instead of "that sounds dire"?

You can use alternatives like "that sounds terrible", "that sounds awful", or "that sounds alarming" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "that sounds dire"?

The phrase "that sounds dire" is generally suitable for neutral to semi-formal contexts. While not overly formal, it is appropriate for expressing serious concern in professional or news-related discussions.

Is "that sounds dire" an overused phrase?

While not inherently overused, relying too heavily on "that sounds dire" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "that sounds critical" or "that sounds grave" for variety.