this is appalling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is appalling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or shock regarding a situation or behavior. Example: "After hearing about the unfair treatment of the employees, I must say, this is appalling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

This is appalling.

The New York Times

8.57pm GMT 53 min: This is appalling.

The Guardian - Sport

Whether for profit or diplomatic gain, this is appalling hypocrisy.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is appalling, it's cruel and it's unacceptable.

The Guardian

BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac responded to her post: "This is appalling.

The Guardian - Music

This is appalling customer service, in fact, it is no customer service".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

This was appalling.

The New Yorker

"If this wasn't happening in the trade unions, the Labour party would be saying this was appalling mis-selling.

The Guardian

People talked about how infrastructure wouldn't be ready, it would be a disaster, but it was not - but this was appalling".

BBC

For some, retaining half the families in the programme was considered sufficient, while other thought this was " appalling" (P10).

BMC Public Health

That the political posturing surrounding this bill threatens to sour people's view of this program is appalling.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is appalling" when you want to express strong disapproval or shock about a situation or behavior. Ensure that the context clearly warrants such a strong expression of negative sentiment to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "this is appalling" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant strong condemnation to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is appalling" primarily functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a strong negative judgment about a particular situation, action, or behavior. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It's used to communicate not just disapproval, but also a sense of shock or outrage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is appalling" is a powerful way to express strong disapproval or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and media contexts. While effective, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong reaction. Alternatives like "this is unacceptable" or "this is shocking" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. Remember to consider the formality of the setting and the potential impact of your words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is dreadful

Replaces 'appalling' with 'dreadful', softening the tone slightly while maintaining a negative connotation.

this is unacceptable

Emphasizes that something does not meet a certain standard of quality or behavior, differing from 'appalling' which focuses on causing shock or disgust.

this is outrageous

Conveys a sense of indignation and anger, making it suitable when something is not just bad, but also morally wrong.

this is shocking

Highlights the unexpected and disturbing nature of something, whereas 'appalling' focuses more on the degree of badness.

this is horrific

Implies extreme fear or disgust, indicating a severe negative emotional response.

this is reprehensible

Indicates strong disapproval on moral grounds, emphasizing blameworthiness.

this is egregious

Suggests something outstandingly bad or shocking, often in a way that is conspicuously or outrageously wrong.

it's simply not on

British English idiom expressing strong disapproval or disagreement, indicating something is unacceptable.

I find this abhorrent

A more personal and emphatic expression of disgust and repulsion.

I can't believe this

Expresses disbelief and dismay, often implying that something is so bad it's hard to accept.

FAQs

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

You can use "this is appalling" to express strong disapproval or shock. For example, "The way they treated their customers, "this is appalling"."

What can I say instead of "this is appalling"?

Alternatives include "this is unacceptable", "this is outrageous", or "this is shocking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this is appalling" too strong in formal writing?

While "this is appalling" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more nuanced alternatives like "this is unacceptable" or "this is deeply concerning" to maintain a professional tone.

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

"This is appalling" is best used when reacting to situations that are genuinely shocking or morally reprehensible, where a strong expression of disapproval is warranted.