this is a catastrophe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a catastrophe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is disastrous or extremely unfortunate. Example: "After the hurricane devastated the town, many residents were left homeless, and the mayor declared, 'This is a catastrophe.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"This is a catastrophe.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is a catastrophe that continues to unfold".

The New York Times

This is a catastrophe you can get your mind around.

The New York Times

"This is a catastrophe for Iran's cinema," he said.

The Guardian

But there's no denying that this is a catastrophe.

The New York Times

This is a catastrophe for people stuck in Obamacare.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Would this be a catastrophe?

The Economist

For the Egyptian military, this was a catastrophe of choice.

The New Yorker

This was a catastrophe 20 years in the making.

The New York Times

This was a catastrophe, a disaster, and in Hebrew that is shoah".

The New York Times

"To play devil's advocate," I said, "this was a catastrophe for the university, that this came out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "this is a catastrophe" to underscore the severity and widespread impact of a negative event. Ensure that the context warrants such a strong declaration to avoid exaggerating the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "this is a catastrophe" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. Overusing strong language diminishes its impact when describing genuinely serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a catastrophe" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong negative evaluation of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to convey that something is extremely bad or disastrous. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in news, opinion pieces and general communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Opinion

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is a catastrophe" is a powerful declarative statement used to express that a situation is extremely bad or disastrous. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions to convey alarm and emphasize the severity of a negative event, most frequently in news and media, opinion pieces and formal business contexts. While it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in mild situations, it remains a potent way to underscore the significance of genuinely critical moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is a disaster.

A more general term for a sudden event causing great damage or loss.

This is an unmitigated disaster.

Emphasizes the severity and lack of redeeming qualities in the situation.

This is a tragedy.

Emphasizes the sorrowful and lamentable aspect of the situation.

This is a calamity.

Highlights the sudden and disastrous nature of the event.

This is an unprecedented crisis.

Highlights the uniqueness and severity of the current situation.

This is a debacle.

Focuses on the utter failure and humiliation of the situation.

This is a complete failure.

Focuses on the lack of success and the negative outcome.

This is a crushing blow.

Highlights the damaging and impactful nature of the event.

This is an outrage.

Expresses strong indignation and shock at the event.

This is a monumental blunder.

Emphasizes the scale and significance of the mistake made.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is a catastrophe"?

The phrase "this is a catastrophe" is appropriate when describing an event that has caused widespread damage, suffering, or loss. It should be reserved for situations that are genuinely disastrous and have significant consequences.

What are some alternatives to saying "this is a catastrophe"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "this is a disaster", "this is a tragedy", or "this is a calamity", depending on the specific context and the aspect you wish to emphasize.

Is "this is a catastrophe" an overused expression?

While not inherently overused, "this is a catastrophe" can lose its impact if used too frequently or in situations that do not warrant such strong language. Consider the gravity of the situation before using it.

How does "this is a catastrophe" compare to "this is a crisis"?

"This is a catastrophe" implies a more devastating and far-reaching event than "this is a crisis". A crisis is a difficult or dangerous situation that needs immediate attention, while a catastrophe suggests a complete and utter disaster.