the diatribe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the diatribe' is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it refers to a long and angry speech or writing that is full of criticism and condemnation. For example, "The angry politician launched into a lengthy diatribe, accusing his opponent of lying and manipulation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Sorry for the diatribe.

The Guardian

In the course of the diatribe, Putin distorted several facts.

The Guardian

The diatribe becomes a viral hit on the internet.

The Guardian - Books

The diatribe continued unabated until finally the penny dropped.

The Guardian

The diatribe by the king (Nigel Davenport) on "the tyranny of popular opinion" remains relevant.

The New York Times - Arts

(One suspects that the diatribe is really directed at a girlfriend who has recently moved there).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Here the diatribes, the mass punishments and public humiliations happened.

The Guardian

Then the diatribes against her that have been a staple of the state-controlled press became more muted and indirect.

The New York Times

Southwick, a technology journalist, builds her Ellison portrait in large part on the diatribes of people he has shoved aside.

The New York Times - Books

He himself remained unaffected by the neglect and the diatribes, merely saying that one day they would all catch up.

The Guardian - Music

Even the Buddha of compassion might have been distressed to be on the receiving end of the diatribes that William Lawrence Cassidy is accused of posting on Twitter.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the diatribe" when you want to emphasize the prolonged and bitter nature of the criticism. It's suitable for describing speeches, articles, or any extended form of negative commentary.

Common error

Avoid using "the diatribe" when a more neutral term like "criticism" or "analysis" would be more appropriate. "The diatribe" carries a strong negative connotation and should be reserved for situations where the criticism is particularly harsh and prolonged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the diatribe" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific instance of bitter and abusive criticism, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the diatribe" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, generally employed to denote a prolonged and bitter denunciation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is accurate and readily understood. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves to emphasize the severe nature of criticism. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for contexts where the critique is genuinely harsh. For situations requiring a more neutral tone, alternatives like "the criticism" or "the polemic" may be more fitting. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the tirade

Similar in intensity, but implies a more spontaneous and less structured outburst.

the harangue

Suggests a lengthy and aggressive speech, often intended to persuade or intimidate.

the denunciation

Focuses on public condemnation and formal disapproval.

the polemic

Highlights a controversial argument intended to establish one's opinion.

the condemnation

Emphasizes a strong expression of disapproval or censure.

the criticism

Represents a more general expression of disapproval, potentially less intense.

the attack

A direct and forceful expression of opposition or disapproval.

the censure

Implies formal disapproval, often by an authority.

the rebuke

Suggests a sharp expression of disapproval or criticism, often in response to a specific action.

the reprimand

A formal expression of disapproval, typically from a superior.

FAQs

How to use "the diatribe" in a sentence?

You can use "the diatribe" to describe a speech or piece of writing that contains a bitter and abusive denunciation. For example, "The senator's speech was a lengthy diatribe against the current administration."

What can I say instead of "the diatribe"?

You can use alternatives like "the tirade", "the harangue", or "the polemic" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "the diatribe" or "a diatribe"?

"The diatribe" refers to a specific instance or type of bitter criticism that is understood in context. "A diatribe" refers to any instance of such criticism, without specific reference. For example, "The article was a diatribe" means the article was an example of such bitter criticism.

What's the difference between "the diatribe" and "the criticism"?

"The criticism" is a general term for expressing disapproval. "The diatribe" is a specific type of criticism that is characterized by its bitterness, length, and abusive nature. A diatribe is a more intense and prolonged form of "the criticism".