a frightening question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frightening question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that evokes fear or anxiety, either in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The interviewer asked a frightening question that made me doubt my qualifications for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That's a frightening question.

Huffington Post

It is a frightening question.

Huffington Post

That, combined with the Enron mess and suspicions that other companies are about to join the scandal list, has raised a frightening question that now hangs over the American economy and the world's investment markets: Just how much of the broader New Economy was an illusion after all?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The frightening question in this drama, directed by Bernhard Wicki, is whether the desperation of poverty is stronger than basic morality.

The New York Times

"There are a whole set of unresolved and genuinely frightening questions about the future of media, all of which seem to have the BBC either centre-frame or on the edge of frame..

The Guardian

For those trying to grow up and build stable lives now, the world is full of frightening questions to which we don't yet know the answers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Please note, there is no known connection between homosexuality and pedophilia; the point is, an institution that cannot honestly reckon with the sexual orientation of its ministry can hardly be trusted to face the question of a frightening sexual disorder.

The New York Times

Slowly, a frightening picture emerged.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The funding gap is a frightening $35m.

Independent

It has a frightening racist dimension, too.

Independent

A frightening reality check for minorities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the fear you want to convey. If you need a stronger term, "a terrifying question" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a frightening question" in everyday conversations where the question doesn't genuinely evoke significant fear. Opt for more appropriate alternatives like "a concerning question" or "a troubling question" to maintain the right tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frightening question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "frightening" modifies the noun "question". As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a grammatically correct and readily usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a frightening question" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to denote a query that evokes fear or anxiety. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While relatively uncommon, it is primarily found in news and media contexts to emphasize serious or concerning issues. For more formal or intense expressions, consider alternatives like "a terrifying question" or "an alarming question". Be mindful not to overuse the phrase in casual settings where the gravity is unwarranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A terrifying question

Emphasizes a higher degree of fear and dread compared to "frightening".

An alarming question

Focuses on the question being a cause for concern and warning.

A disturbing question

Highlights the unsettling and disquieting nature of the question.

A chilling question

Implies a question that creates a sense of unease and apprehension.

A daunting question

Stresses the intimidating or overwhelming nature of the question.

A horrifying question

Conveys a strong sense of shock and disgust associated with the question.

A scary question

A more informal way to describe a question that causes fear.

A troubling question

Indicates that the question is problematic and causes worry.

A worrying question

Highlights the anxiety and concern that the question provokes.

An unsettling question

Focuses on the question's ability to create a feeling of discomfort and unease.

FAQs

What does "a frightening question" mean?

The phrase "a frightening question" describes a question that elicits fear, anxiety, or a sense of unease due to its implications or potential answers.

How can I use "a frightening question" in a sentence?

You might say, "The implications of climate change raise "a frightening question" about the future of our planet" or "His sudden disappearance posed "a frightening question": had he been abducted?"

What are some alternatives to "a frightening question"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a terrifying question", "an alarming question", or "a disturbing question".

Is it correct to say "a scary question" instead of "a frightening question"?

While "a scary question" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, it is generally considered more informal than "a frightening question". Use "a frightening question" for more formal or serious contexts.