a frightening vision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frightening vision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disturbing or alarming mental image or scenario, often in a literary or metaphorical context. Example: "As she closed her eyes, a frightening vision of the future filled her mind, leaving her breathless with fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

For what?" Merchant has a frightening vision of himself squeezing price tags onto convenience store stock at midnight in Kentucky.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a frightening vision of America's future unless the disastrous policies of this administration are quickly reversed.

The New York Times

Not long afterward, his "Woman in a White Shirt" (1956-57) presenteDeborah Mitfordrd as a frightening vision of age and decay.

The New York Times - Books

A cheese mite matters; the small is big, the big is small; everything is in equilibrium within necessity - a frightening vision for the mind".

The Guardian - Books

When last this page quoted Boris Worm, a marine ecologist in Canada, in 2006, he was conjuring a frightening vision of a world without seafood.

The New York Times

It offered a frightening vision of the many dangers this country faces — global warming, nuclear proliferation, terrorism — and how much its position has been weakened "by too much unilateralism and too little cooperation".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"And I think what you're hearing from all of us, it's a very frightening vision".

The New York Times

Flanery is a talented writer with a dynamic and frightening vision of the role that corporations and security have in American life.

The New York Times - Books

Soon we are submerged in her frightening vision, as the singer (the excellent Danielle Halbwachs) recounts Iphigenie's dream of seeing her mother murder her father.

The New York Times - Arts

"It will also indicate those who have been captured by and surrendered to Orwell's frightening vision characterised in his book Nineteen Eighty-Four".

The Guardian

As Torrance begins to deteriorate mentally - having some frightening visions of his own, all leading him to the notion of killing his family - the sprawling hotel, buried under huge snowdrifts, begins to feel more and more claustrophobic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a frightening vision" to vividly describe scenarios that evoke fear, anxiety, or unease in your audience. This phrase works well in both descriptive and metaphorical contexts to create a strong emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a frightening vision" in situations that are only mildly concerning. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider using more nuanced language for lesser concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frightening vision" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a disturbing or alarming mental image or scenario. Examples show its use in describing potential futures, societal trends, or personal experiences that evoke fear.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

16%

Books

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a frightening vision" is a noun phrase used to describe a disturbing or alarming mental image or scenario. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. It serves to evoke unease or concern and is generally neutral to formal in register. When writing, remember to use it in contexts that genuinely evoke fear or anxiety to avoid sounding melodramatic. Alternatives include "a terrifying prospect" and "a horrifying image".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a spine-chilling vision

Emphasizes the fear and excitement of the view.

a horrifying image

Highlights the visual aspect of something causing intense fear and disgust.

a hair-raising sight

Focuses on how scary the appearance is.

a terrifying prospect

Focuses on the potential future outcome being scary, rather than the immediate visual aspect.

a dreadful sight

Focuses on the unpleasant and shocking nature of something seen.

a chilling scenario

Emphasizes the unsettling and disturbing nature of a hypothetical situation.

an alarming outlook

Stresses the concerning and worrying nature of a predicted future or situation.

a disturbing spectacle

Emphasizes the unsettling and unsettling nature of something publicly displayed or witnessed.

a bleak outlook

Indicates a pessimistic and hopeless view of the future.

a grim forecast

Highlights the bleak and pessimistic nature of a future prediction.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a frightening vision"?

You can use alternatives like "a terrifying prospect", "a horrifying image", or "a chilling scenario" depending on the context.

How do I use "a frightening vision" in a sentence?

"A frightening vision" can be used to describe a disturbing or alarming mental image, future possibility, or societal trend. For example: "The climate report painted "a frightening vision" of rising sea levels."

What's the difference between ""a frightening vision"" and "a scary dream"?

"A frightening vision" often refers to a waking perception, prediction, or scenario that causes fear, while "a scary dream" refers specifically to a frightening experience during sleep. A vision can be based on reality or speculation, while a dream is purely a product of the subconscious.

Is it correct to use "a frightening vision" in formal writing?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase is grammatically sound and can be used in formal writing, particularly when describing serious or alarming situations, trends, or possibilities. Ensure the tone and context are appropriate for the level of formality.