this awful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this awful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a negative opinion or feeling about something specific that has been mentioned or is being referred to. Example: "I can't believe how poorly this project turned out; this awful outcome is disappointing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

@FOXSports1 this awful coverage!!!

The Washington Post

"This awful, deathly silence".

The Guardian - Sport

There was this awful voice".

The Guardian

"I became this awful confidante.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In the form of this awful event".

Independent

"And ended up with this awful heat".

The New York Times

Something this awful has sidetracked the agenda".

The New York Times

Nothing really happens except this awful proximity.

The Guardian - Arts

Recent events add to this awful mythology.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is this awful word 'rationing'rationing

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thinking of all their families at this awful time".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "this awful" with strong verbs and nouns to amplify the negative impact. For instance, "this awful tragedy" or "this awful mistake" conveys greater intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "this awful" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral or objective tone is required. Opt for more precise and less emotionally charged language to maintain credibility and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "this awful" is to act as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies and characterizes the noun with a strong negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this awful" is a determiner phrase used to express strong negativity or disapproval toward a specific noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and audience when using "this awful", especially in more formal settings where more neutral language might be more appropriate. Alternatives like ""this terrible"" or "this unfortunate" may be better suited for such occasions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this terrible

Replaces "awful" with a synonym indicating severe unpleasantness or badness.

this dreadful

Substitutes "awful" with a word conveying a sense of fear, shock, or dismay.

this horrible

Uses "horrible" instead of "awful" to denote something causing or likely to cause horror; shockingly repulsive.

this atrocious

Employs "atrocious" to describe something outrageously wicked, cruel, or terrible.

this appalling

Substitutes "awful" with a term implying something causing shock or dismay; horrific.

this miserable

Replaces "awful" with a word to express something extremely unhappy or uncomfortable.

this unpleasant

Replaces "awful" with a more moderate term, indicating something not enjoyable or agreeable.

this regrettable

Substitutes "awful" with a term implying something that is a cause for regret or sorrow.

this lamentable

Replaces "awful" with a word that signifies regrettable or unfortunate circumstances.

this unfortunate

Uses "unfortunate" to denote something marked by or causing bad luck; regrettable.

FAQs

How can I use "this awful" in a sentence?

"This awful" is used to express strong disapproval or negativity towards something specific. For example, "I can't believe we have to deal with "this awful weather" again this summer."

What are some alternatives to "this awful"?

Alternatives include "this terrible", "this dreadful", or "this horrible" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "this awful" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this awful" might be too informal or emotionally charged for certain formal contexts. Consider more neutral alternatives like "this unfortunate" or "this regrettable".

What does "this awful" emphasize in a sentence?

"This awful" emphasizes the speaker's strong negative feeling about something, highlighting its unpleasant or undesirable qualities. It makes the sentiment more emphatic than a neutral description would.