unpleasant chapter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpleasant chapter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or negative period in someone's life or a specific situation that is not enjoyable. Example: "Reflecting on my past, I realize that the breakup was an unpleasant chapter that taught me valuable lessons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That loss ended Ms. Brown's career in politics, an unpleasant chapter in the legacy, which, Ms. Rice said, family members asked to be glossed over.

The New York Times - Arts

Sinking in, too, was that a new, unpleasant chapter had been added to the 370-year history of Harvard, a university that takes its history very seriously.

The New York Times

General Musharraf, in contrast, clearly wants to portray to his own people that the attacks are a brief, unpleasant chapter on the way to a friendlier government in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Her lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, said it was a "great day" for his client, adding: "All Amber wanted was to be divorced and now she is". Depp's lawyer, Laura Wasser, said they were "all pleased to put this unpleasant chapter in Mr Depp and his family's lives behind them".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The corporate history found on the Toys R Us Web site doesn't mention the Interstate bankruptcy or the other unpleasant chapters.

The New Yorker

Foreign Secretary William Hague said the conference - and "the anti-Semitic atmosphere in which it was held" - was "a particularly unpleasant and divisive chapter in the UN's history" and "should not be celebrated".

BBC

"Extremely unpleasant, just unpleasant".

The Guardian

Unpleasant things.

The New Yorker

Something unpleasant?

The New York Times

Quite unpleasant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So unpleasant.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unpleasant chapter" to refer to a specific, self-contained period that you want to move past, like a failed project or a personal setback.

Common error

Avoid using "unpleasant chapter" excessively as a way to downplay genuinely harmful or traumatic events. Be mindful of the context and choose language that accurately reflects the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpleasant chapter" functions as a noun phrase, where "unpleasant" modifies the noun "chapter". It is used to characterize a specific period or event as negative or undesirable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing negative experiences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unpleasant chapter" is a grammatically sound and relatively frequent way to describe a negative period or event. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate to use in written English to refer to a difficult or negative period. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, this phrase serves to frame a past experience as undesirable yet concluded. While alternatives like "difficult period" or "regrettable episode" offer nuanced substitutes, "unpleasant chapter" provides a succinct way to acknowledge and move past negativity. When using this phrase, be mindful of potentially downplaying serious events and aim to use language that adequately reflects the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the time.

regrettable episode

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the event.

unfortunate incident

Highlights the element of bad luck or misfortune.

painful experience

Focuses on the emotional distress caused by the event.

dark time

Implies a period of sadness or difficulty.

rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty.

trying phase

Highlights the testing or challenging nature of the situation.

bad memory

Emphasizes the negative recall associated with the event.

unhappy situation

Focuses on the general lack of happiness during that time.

awful event

Stresses the extremely negative nature of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "unpleasant chapter" in a sentence?

You can use "unpleasant chapter" to describe a past event or period you'd rather forget. For example: "The lawsuit was an "unpleasant chapter" in the company's history, but we've since moved on."

What are some alternatives to "unpleasant chapter"?

Consider using phrases like "difficult period", "regrettable episode", or "painful experience" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "unpleasant chapter" in formal writing?

Yes, "unpleasant chapter" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing past events in a professional context. However, ensure the tone remains respectful and avoids trivializing serious issues.

What's the difference between "unpleasant chapter" and "difficult time"?

While both refer to negative experiences, "unpleasant chapter" suggests a more defined and contained period, whereas "difficult time" can be more general and ongoing.