this was outrageous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was outrageous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or shock regarding an event or situation that is considered unacceptable or unfair. Example: "After hearing about the unfair treatment of the employees, I couldn't help but think that this was outrageous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This was outrageous, impossible!

The Guardian - Opinion

This was outrageous.

The New Yorker

I thought this was outrageous.

The New York Times

This was "outrageous," Walter told a close friend.

The New York Times

This was outrageous, the lowest of low behavior, a witch hunt of the most bitter variety.

The New York Times

I tried to convince myself that this was outrageous, hoping to work up some useful bargaining adrenaline.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

This is outrageous".

The New York Times - Health

I mean, this is outrageous!

The New Yorker

"This is outrageous," he said.

The New York Times

This is outrageous," Brahimi said.

The Guardian

This is outrageous and unacceptable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was outrageous" to express strong disapproval or indignation, especially when reacting to unfair or unacceptable situations. Ensure that the context clearly identifies what you are referring to as "outrageous".

Common error

While "this was outrageous" is acceptable, be mindful of the formality of your writing. In highly formal contexts, consider using more nuanced or sophisticated vocabulary to convey your disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was outrageous" functions as an expressive statement, conveying a strong negative reaction to a past event or situation. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. The primary function is to express disapproval, indignation, or shock.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was outrageous" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express strong disapproval or shock about a past event. As Ludwig AI explains, it is frequently encountered in news media, reflecting a neutral register despite the strong sentiment. While the phrase is usable, consider the formality of your writing and choose more nuanced alternatives for formal contexts. Related phrases include "this was unacceptable" or "that was completely unfair".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was unacceptable

Changes the adjective to 'unacceptable' to express strong disapproval.

this is simply unacceptable

Emphasizes the unacceptability of the situation.

that was completely unacceptable

Adds 'completely' for emphasis, strengthening the expression of disapproval.

this is wholly inappropriate

Replaces 'outrageous' with 'wholly inappropriate' to denote unsuitability.

this behavior is appalling

Shifts focus to behavior and uses the adjective 'appalling' to express strong disapproval.

that was completely unfair

Focuses on the injustice of the situation.

this is beyond the pale

Uses an idiom to express that something is beyond acceptable boundaries.

it was simply not right

Uses a more understated and general expression of disapproval.

it was an injustice

Focuses on the element of injustice in the situation.

that was simply too much

Expresses the sentiment that a limit has been crossed.

FAQs

How can I use "this was outrageous" in a sentence?

Use "this was outrageous" to express strong disapproval or shock regarding a situation you consider unacceptable. For example, "After learning about the company's unethical practices, I felt that "this was outrageous"."

What phrases can I use instead of "this was outrageous"?

You can use alternatives such as "this was unacceptable", "this was scandalous", or "this was appalling" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this was outrageous" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this was outrageous" may be perceived as too informal for certain types of formal writing. Consider alternatives like "this was highly inappropriate" or "this was entirely unacceptable" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "this is outrageous" and "this was outrageous"?

"This is outrageous" refers to a current situation, while "this was outrageous" refers to something that happened in the past. For example, "This is outrageous! They're raising prices again!" versus "This was outrageous; the company fired her without any warning".