this appalling situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this appalling situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distressing or shocking circumstance or condition that evokes strong negative feelings. Example: "The community is rallying together to address this appalling situation and support those affected by the disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Determined to address this appalling situation, I set up a task force.

The Guardian

So I just don't know how we're going to resolve this appalling situation that we have gotten ourselves into because there is a single approach [in policymaking]," he said.

The Guardian

Despite claims from the Trump Organisation that it would restore the Forbes' water, this appalling situation continues to this day, as I discovered recently while filming for a new documentary.

The Guardian - Opinion

As powerful as Mr. Obama's images were, as clear as his determination to use force if necessary remains, and as certain as it seems that the Syrian regime did carry out the attack, the president is not the master of this appalling situation.

The New York Times

Four senior Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which will conduct the investigation, said in a statement that they would "get to the bottom of this appalling situation". Two Republican governors ordered investigations in their states: Greg Abbott of Texas and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, who is a presidential candidate.

The New York Times

Turning this appalling situation around demands a new mindset that will not allow India to be continually gored.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We were alarmed by the lack of historical analysis and specificity in relation to the appalling situation in Israel and Palestine and by the repeated intoning of "this is apartheid".

The Guardian

Wes Streeting, president of the National Union of Students, said: "You've got the appalling situation which has left hundreds of thousands affected by this crisis, tens of thousands without their support, a miserable start to term and on top of that one of the most shameful spin operations from a public body I have ever seen.

The Guardian

Here he has just spelled out the appalling situation on Page 19: wrinkles are forever.

The New York Times - Magazine

The No 10 spokesperson said: "The main focus of both conversations was the appalling situation that continues in Syria.

The Guardian

Shakhtar have done superbly to ride out the appalling situation in their home region and reach the knock-out stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this appalling situation" to introduce a problem that requires immediate attention or action, setting a tone of urgency and concern.

Common error

Avoid using "this appalling situation" in informal settings. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Simpler phrases are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this appalling situation" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to describe a specific circumstance that is considered extremely bad or shocking. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this appalling situation" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey strong disapproval or concern about a particular circumstance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to highlight the severity of an issue and often prompts a call for action. While effective in formal and neutral registers, it should be used sparingly in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives like "this dreadful state of affairs" or "this terrible predicament" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this dreadful state of affairs

Replaces 'appalling situation' with a more formal and descriptive term.

this terrible predicament

Substitutes 'situation' with 'predicament', implying a difficult or dangerous situation.

this shocking state of affairs

Emphasizes the surprise and dismay associated with the situation.

this unacceptable circumstance

Highlights the lack of approval or tolerance for the situation.

this grim reality

Focuses on the bleak and unpleasant nature of the situation.

the current crisis

Highlights the urgent and critical nature of the situation.

this unfortunate development

Downplays the severity while still expressing negativity.

this regrettable incident

Highlights a particular event within the larger situation.

the mess we're in

An informal way of expressing the current problem or difficulty.

this crisis

Shortens the phrase, focusing on the critical aspect of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "this appalling situation" in a sentence?

You can use "this appalling situation" to refer to something shocking or distressing, for example: "This appalling situation requires immediate action from the authorities".

What phrases are similar to "this appalling situation"?

Similar phrases include "this dreadful state of affairs", "this terrible predicament", or "this shocking state of affairs".

When is it appropriate to use "this appalling situation"?

It's appropriate to use "this appalling situation" in formal contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, or professional communications, to describe severe or shocking circumstances.

Is "this appalling situation" too dramatic for everyday conversation?

Yes, in casual conversations, using simpler, less formal phrases like "the mess we're in" or describing the specific issue directly might be more suitable.