worst of all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worst of all" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing different people, situations, or ideas and need to emphasize the most unfavorable one. For example: "Not only did she make a mistake on the project, but she was late turning it in - worst of all, she didn't even apologize for the inconvenience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And worst of all, silence.

The Economist

Worst of all?

The Guardian - Opinion

Worst of all were the texters.

The New York Times

Perhaps worst of all is autobiography syndrome.

The New York Times - Books

Worst of all are university presidents.

The New York Times

Worst of all, security was lamentably thin.

The New York Times - Arts

It has the worst of all worlds.

The Economist

Worst of all, it is irrevocable.

The Economist

This is the worst of all worlds".

Independent

Worst of all, it is repetitive.

The New York Times - Books

Worst of all: no equipment.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worst of all", ensure it logically connects to a series of previously mentioned negative points. It should serve as the culmination or most severe aspect of that series.

Common error

Avoid using "worst of all" without a clear context of preceding negative elements. It's ineffective if presented as a standalone statement without building up to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worst of all" functions as an adverbial phrase. It serves to modify a preceding clause or series of clauses by introducing the most unfavorable element among them. This is supported by Ludwig, where the examples showcase its use in various contexts to emphasize the severity of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worst of all" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the most negative aspect of a situation. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in academic and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it logically follows a series of negative points to maximize its impact. While it's grammatically sound, avoid starting sentences with it to prevent abruptness. Remember, the goal is to highlight the most problematic element, as supported by the numerous examples in Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most unfortunate of all

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the situation being described.

most dreadful of all

Highlights the dreadful or terrible quality of the situation.

most terrible of all

Focuses on the terror or severity of the situation.

above all else

Indicates something is paramount or the most important consideration.

most critically

Highlights the critical importance or severity of the point.

most significantly

Emphasizes the significant or impactful nature of the situation.

at its worst

Focuses on the situation when it is performing at its lowest point.

to make matters worse

Introduces an additional element that exacerbates the existing situation.

the biggest drawback

Highlights the most significant disadvantage.

the most damaging aspect

Highlights the detrimental aspect of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "worst of all" in a sentence?

Use "worst of all" to introduce the most negative aspect of a situation after presenting other negative points. For example: "The project was delayed, the budget was exceeded, and, "worst of all", the client was unhappy."

What phrases are similar to "worst of all"?

Alternatives include "most unfortunate of all", "most dreadful of all", or "above all else", which can be used depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "worst of all" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "worst of all" can sometimes sound abrupt. It's generally more effective after setting the stage with other related issues.

How does "worst of all" compare to "most importantly"?

"Worst of all" emphasizes the most negative aspect, while "most importantly" highlights the most significant or crucial point. They serve different purposes and should be chosen based on the intended emphasis.