the atrocity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the atrocity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a particularly shocking or cruel act, often in the context of war, violence, or human rights violations. Example: "The report detailed the atrocity committed against innocent civilians during the conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was unclear who perpetrated the atrocity.

The Economist

What is the atrocity they are planning?

The Guardian - Books

Ethiopia hit out at the atrocity.

The Guardian

Perhaps the scale of the atrocity numbs moral outrage.

The Economist

The atrocity was committed by Imran Farhat in the slips.

Independent

Peers that investigated the atrocity beginning in Nov., 1969.

The New Yorker

First came the atrocity, then came the vanity.

The New York Times

The atrocity had made victims of us all.

Independent

Britain was the second most affected country in the atrocity.

Independent

Again, the atrocity has prompted a national debate.

Independent

But the atrocity is fertile ground for Mr Advani.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the atrocity" when you want to emphasize the extreme wickedness or cruelty of a specific event. Ensure the context clearly defines which event you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "the atrocity" without a clear antecedent or context. Ensure your audience understands which specific event you are referring to, or the phrase becomes melodramatic and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the atrocity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is a valid and usable phrase to describe a particularly shocking or cruel act.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the atrocity" is a noun phrase used to describe an exceptionally cruel or wicked act. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts to convey condemnation and highlight the severity of events. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by providing specific context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "the barbarity" or "the outrage" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, emphasizing its impact through thoughtful application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the barbarity

Focuses on the savage and uncivilized nature of the act.

the outrage

Emphasizes the public anger and shock resulting from the event.

the abomination

Highlights the morally repugnant and detestable nature of the act.

the horror

Stresses the terrifying and deeply disturbing aspect of the event.

the crime

Draws attention to the illegal and punishable nature of the act.

the transgression

Implies a violation of moral or divine law.

the offense

Indicates a violation of a rule, law, or standard of behavior.

the injustice

Highlights the unfair and inequitable nature of the act.

the cruelty

Emphasizes the intentional infliction of pain and suffering.

the inhumanity

Stresses the lack of compassion and empathy in the act.

FAQs

How can I use "the atrocity" in a sentence?

Use "the atrocity" to refer to a specific act of extreme cruelty or wickedness, such as "The report detailed "the atrocity" committed during the war."

What are some synonyms for "the atrocity"?

You can use alternatives like "the barbarity", "the outrage", or "the abomination" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the atrocity" in formal writing?

Yes, "the atrocity" is suitable for formal writing when referring to a grave and shocking act. However, ensure the context is clear and the tone is appropriate.

What distinguishes "the atrocity" from "the crime"?

"The crime" refers to any illegal act, while "the atrocity" specifically denotes an act of extreme cruelty or wickedness. An atrocity is a particularly heinous type of crime.