with dismay

USAGE SUMMARY

"with dismay" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express stunned surprise, consternation, or dismay. Example: Jane watched the news with dismay, expecting that the election results would be very different.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But many reacted with dismay.

The New York Times

Booksellers reacted to the news with dismay.

The New York Times

Theo regards his new room with dismay.

The New York Times - Books

Some conservative Catholics responded with dismay.

The Economist

Booksellers also reacted with dismay.

The Guardian - Books

Environmental groups greeted the news with dismay.

The Guardian

They greeted yesterday's ruling with dismay.

The Guardian

Some Crimeans greeted the decision with dismay.

The Guardian

Churchill had followed the incident with dismay.

The Guardian

She shakes her head with dismay.

The Guardian - Music

Traders reacted with dismay to Tuesday's incident.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with dismay" to clearly and concisely convey a sense of disappointment, shock, or concern about a situation or event. It's effective when you want to express a negative reaction without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "with dismay" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler expressions like "was disappointed" or "felt bad" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with dismay" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with dismay" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a range of negative emotions, from disappointment to shock. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, as well as academic writing. While alternatives like "with disappointment" or "with concern" may be suitable depending on the specific context, "with dismay" effectively conveys a sense of unease and concern. However, it's important to consider the register and avoid overuse in informal settings, where it can sound overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with disapproval

Directly expresses disagreement or objection.

with regret

Expresses sorrow about something that has happened.

in consternation

Highlights confusion and anxiety.

in disappointment

Focuses specifically on the feeling of being let down.

with misgivings

Suggests doubts or reservations about something.

in discouragement

Highlights a loss of enthusiasm or confidence.

with concern

Highlights worry and anxiety about a situation.

with trepidation

Emphasizes fear or nervousness about an impending event.

in apprehension

Emphasizes a feeling of fear about what might happen.

in despair

Conveys a sense of hopelessness and loss of courage.

FAQs

How can I use "with dismay" in a sentence?

You can use "with dismay" to describe someone's reaction to bad news or a disappointing event. For example, "She learned of the company's financial troubles "with dismay"."

What are some alternatives to using "with dismay"?

Alternatives include "with disappointment", "with concern", or "in consternation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "with dismay" or "in dismay"?

"With dismay" is generally the more common and accepted phrasing. "In dismay" is less frequent and might sound slightly awkward to some readers.

What's the difference between "with dismay" and "with disappointment"?

"With dismay" often implies a sense of shock or alarm in addition to disappointment, while "with disappointment" focuses solely on the feeling of being let down.