tragic incident

USAGE SUMMARY

"tragic incident" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or event that involves great suffering or sorrow, especially one that results in a large number of deaths. For example, you could say, "The bombing of the city was a tragic incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's a tragic incident".

The New York Times

"It was a tragic incident," he said.

The New York Times

"Obviously this a horrific and tragic incident.

The New York Times

"This tragic incident has left the entire A.T.F.

The New York Times

"It was a tragic incident," the doctor said.

The New York Times

"It was a tragic incident that brought that closeness.

The New York Times - Sports

"There could be many reasons for this tragic incident.

The Guardian

Buckles says this was a very tragic incident.

The Guardian

"It is a very tragic incident," India's railroad minister, Mukul Roy, told reporters.

The New York Times

"Wetten, Dass...?" narrowly avoided cancellation after a tragic incident played out live.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Just a tragic, tragic incident," said Prince George's Deputy Police Chief Gary Cunningham.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tragic incident" to describe events causing significant sorrow, loss, or suffering. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "tragic incident" in situations where the event is minor or does not involve significant loss or suffering. Overusing it can diminish its impact and appear insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tragic incident" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically identifies an event characterized by sorrow and suffering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tragic incident" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe events marked by significant sorrow and suffering. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a noun phrase, fulfilling various grammatical roles within a sentence. Its primary function is to convey information while evoking empathy. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "unfortunate event" or "devastating occurrence" exist, "tragic incident" remains a direct and widely understood descriptor. It is important to avoid overuse in less serious situations to maintain its impact and sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad occurrence

Simplifies the description to a basic expression of sadness about an event.

heartbreaking event

Highlights the emotional pain caused by the event.

devastating occurrence

Substitutes 'tragic' with 'devastating', amplifying the severity of the event.

catastrophic event

Indicates a large-scale disaster with severe consequences.

unfortunate event

Replaces 'tragic' with 'unfortunate', softening the emotional impact while still indicating a negative occurrence.

grievous accident

Emphasizes the accidental and sorrowful nature of the event.

unfortunate circumstance

Focuses on the negative conditions surrounding an event, rather than the event itself.

lamentable episode

Uses more formal language to describe a regrettable event.

calamitous happening

Uses a more archaic and dramatic term for a disaster.

unhappy situation

Downplays the severity, referring to a generally negative circumstance.

FAQs

How can I use "tragic incident" in a sentence?

You can use "tragic incident" to describe an event marked by extreme distress or sorrow. For example, "The fire at the apartment complex was a "tragic incident" that resulted in multiple fatalities".

What phrases are similar to "tragic incident"?

Similar phrases include "unfortunate event", "devastating occurrence", and "heartbreaking event". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "tragic incident" in informal conversation?

Yes, "tragic incident" is generally appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, provided the event it describes warrants such a description. However, be mindful of your audience and the sensitivity of the topic.

What is the difference between "tragic incident" and "accident"?

While an accident may be a "tragic incident", not all accidents are tragic. "Tragic incident" implies a significant loss or suffering beyond just unintentional harm, whereas "accident" simply denotes an unintentional event.