unpleasant things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpleasant things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to experiences, situations, or objects that are not enjoyable or are distasteful. Example: "We often have to deal with unpleasant things in life, but it's important to stay positive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Words that Dahl invented that start with trog- always mean unpleasant things!) Zozimus is what dreams are made of.

The Guardian

Unpleasant things.

The New Yorker

Israel has done some unpleasant things.

The Economist

That would inevitably bring up unpleasant things.

The Washington Post

"Certain unpleasant things" 12. Mail letter     a.

The Guardian - Books

I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some do go abroad and do unpleasant things.

The Guardian

When hoses are misused, many unpleasant things can occur, including some of the world's worst chemical plant accidents.

Chemical Process Safety Learning from Case Histories

I saw the most unpleasant things I'd ever seen in my life.

The New York Times

It's a good horror story that touches on some very unpleasant things.

The Guardian - Books

It persuades people to leave unpleasant things out of the picture.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unpleasant things", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase conveys the intended level of negativity or distaste. Be mindful of your audience and adjust your language accordingly to avoid causing unnecessary offense or alarm.

Common error

While "unpleasant things" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound too informal for academic or professional writing. In such contexts, consider using more precise and nuanced alternatives like "adverse conditions" or "unfavorable circumstances" to convey the meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpleasant things" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to denote experiences, situations, or objects that are considered undesirable or distasteful. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

26%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unpleasant things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe undesirable experiences, situations, or objects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings when appropriate. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase, cementing its place in common parlance. Be mindful of potential overuse and explore synonyms to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undesirable elements

Replaces "things" with "elements", focusing on the components that are unwanted.

unwelcome aspects

Substitutes "things" with "aspects", emphasizing the unwelcome nature of certain features.

disagreeable matters

Replaces "unpleasant" with "disagreeable" and "things" with "matters", offering a more formal tone.

unfavorable circumstances

Shifts the focus to situations that are not positive or beneficial.

distasteful experiences

Highlights the nature of the events as causing aversion or dislike.

adverse situations

Focuses on the negative and harmful nature of the circumstances.

negative occurrences

Replaces "unpleasant" with "negative" and "things" with "occurrences", specifying events that are not positive.

difficult realities

Emphasizes the challenging and tough aspects of actual situations.

adverse conditions

Similar to "unfavorable circumstances" but emphasizes the state or environment causing the negativity.

unsettling affairs

Replaces "things" with "affairs", implying matters that cause anxiety or unease.

FAQs

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

You can use "unpleasant things" to refer to undesirable experiences, situations, or objects. For example, "We often have to deal with "unpleasant things" in life, but it's important to stay positive."

What can I say instead of "unpleasant things"?

You can use alternatives like "undesirable elements", "unwelcome aspects", or "disagreeable matters" depending on the context.

Is "unpleasant things" too informal for academic writing?

While "unpleasant things" is widely understood, it might be considered informal for academic or professional writing. More precise alternatives such as "adverse conditions" or "unfavorable circumstances" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "unpleasant things" and "difficult realities"?

"Unpleasant things" is a general term for things that are not enjoyable, while "difficult realities" emphasizes the challenging and tough aspects of actual situations. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the unpleasantness or the difficulty.