utterly appalling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly appalling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or shock regarding a situation, behavior, or event. Example: "The conditions in the shelter were utterly appalling, leaving many volunteers in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

I think it is just utterly appalling".

The Guardian

"To most people, that would be utterly appalling.

Independent

"It is utterly appalling what they are proposing," he said.

The Guardian

What she discovered was interesting, if utterly appalling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's appalling, completely and utterly appalling," she said.

The New York Times

But this is the new, utterly appalling reality created by Mr. Yanukovych.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's appalling, absolutely appalling".

BBC

It was absolutely appalling.

Forbes

Crazy stuff; absolutely appalling.

BBC

Jeremy was a perfect friend because he was brilliantly warm but also utterly, outlandishly appalling.

The Guardian

Hockey has previously called wind turbines "utterly offensive" and "appalling".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly appalling", ensure that the context clearly warrants such strong language. Reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke shock, disgust, or extreme disapproval to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly appalling" in situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly disappointing. Overusing such strong language diminishes its effect and can make your writing seem hyperbolic or insincere. Save it for truly egregious cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly appalling" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a strong negative evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts to emphasize the extreme unpleasantness or unacceptability of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly appalling" is a potent adjective phrase used to express strong disapproval or shock. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, expressing a high degree of negativity. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such strong language to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "completely unacceptable" or "absolutely dreadful" can provide similar sentiments with varying degrees of intensity. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure context appropriateness for maximum effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly disgusting

Conveys strong revulsion and distaste.

completely unacceptable

Focuses on the idea that something is not tolerable or permissible.

wholly unacceptable

Highlights that something is entirely not to be tolerated.

absolutely dreadful

Emphasizes the extreme unpleasantness or poor quality of something.

absolutely atrocious

Emphasizes the extremely poor or shocking quality of something.

downright awful

Highlights the unpleasantly bad nature of something.

totally outrageous

Highlights the shocking and unacceptable nature of something.

blatantly offensive

Focuses on the openly disrespectful or hurtful nature of something.

thoroughly reprehensible

Indicates that something is highly deserving of criticism and condemnation.

unforgivably bad

Suggests that something is so poor in quality or execution as to not be excusable.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly appalling" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly appalling" to describe situations or behaviors that are deeply shocking or unacceptable. For example, "The living conditions were utterly appalling" or "His behavior was utterly appalling".

What phrases are similar to "utterly appalling"?

Alternatives include "absolutely dreadful", "completely unacceptable", or "totally outrageous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it too strong to use "utterly appalling" in formal writing?

While "utterly appalling" is a strong phrase, it can be appropriate in formal writing if the situation genuinely warrants such strong condemnation. Consider your audience and the specific context to determine if a less intense phrase might be more suitable.

Which is more emphatic, "utterly appalling" or "appalling"?

"Utterly appalling" is more emphatic than "appalling" alone. The addition of "utterly" intensifies the level of shock or disapproval being expressed.