a horrifying prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a horrifying prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is frightening or deeply unsettling. Example: "The thought of losing everything we worked for is a horrifying prospect that keeps me awake at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A fire in a nursing home is a horrifying prospect.

The New York Times

That is a horrifying prospect, especially for Pakistan's fledgling civilian government, its first since 1999.

The New York Times

Since it took 22 years for colour TV to reach 85% of Americans, and 16 years for video recorders, broadcasters could squat on this valuable spectrum for a decade or more.This is a horrifying prospect for America's mobile-phone operators.

The Economist

In Liverpool, the plan is to demolish some 7,200 properties in the next few years, including the one belonging to Ms Pascoe.To conservationists, and some local people, it is a horrifying prospect.

The Economist

It is a horrifying prospect that Greenpeace's crew of 28 activists may not see their children, partners and parents for the next decade – and all for the apparently heinous crime of peacefully hanging a banner to protest against the new scramble for the fossil fuels under the Arctic.

Independent

Palm oil plantations may be the reason the last rain forest tree in Borneo providing refuge to an orangutan is cut down, and that's a horrifying prospect.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

That, I allowed, was a pretty horrifying prospect.

The New York Times

Besides the horrifying prospect of an out-of-control oil disaster in the far north, why would the Obama administration want to flirt with catastrophe in the Arctic when there is (supposedly) a huge oil boom going on in the Lower 48 anyway?

Huffington Post

What finally concentrated their minds was the horrifying prospect that the job might actually go to the right person.

The New York Times

"The kind of horrifying prospect is that Osama bin Laden and what he represents has sort of crystallized a moment in history that has an evil and a horror to it that's sort of akin to what Hitler was able to crystallize around him," Dr. Grassian said.

The New York Times

"I think they must be dead," he says simply, perhaps not wanting to voice the other, horrifying prospect - that they have been kept as sex slaves.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a horrifying prospect" to express strong disapproval or fear of a potential future event. It's effective in persuasive writing or when emphasizing the negative consequences of a decision.

Common error

While impactful, overuse of "a horrifying prospect" in everyday conversation can sound melodramatic. Reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke strong negative feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a horrifying prospect" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something anticipated with extreme negativity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a horrifying prospect" is a noun phrase used to express intense fear or disapproval of a potential future event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding melodramatic. Alternatives such as "a terrifying possibility" or "a dreadful scenario" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The expert rating reflects the phrase's appropriate use and the reliability of its sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a terrifying possibility

Emphasizes the potential for fear and dread.

a dreadful scenario

Focuses on the unpleasantness and undesirability of the situation.

a frightening outlook

Highlights the fear-inducing nature of the future situation.

a grim forecast

Implies a negative prediction with serious implications.

an alarming eventuality

Stresses the cause for concern and potential danger of the outcome.

a chilling event

Underlines the unsettling and fear-inducing nature of the occurrence.

a bleak future

Emphasizes the lack of hope and positivity in the upcoming period.

a disturbing outcome

Focuses on the unsettling and troubling result of a situation.

a worrisome development

Highlights the anxiety and concern caused by the unfolding situation.

a dire prediction

Emphasizes the severity and hopelessness of the forecast.

FAQs

How can I use "a horrifying prospect" in a sentence?

You can use "a horrifying prospect" to describe a future event or situation that fills you with dread or fear. For example: "The thought of another economic recession is "a horrifying prospect"."

What are some alternatives to "a horrifying prospect"?

Alternatives include "a terrifying possibility", "a dreadful scenario", or "a frightening outlook". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a horrifying prospect" in formal writing?

Yes, "a horrifying prospect" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious issues or expressing strong concerns about potential outcomes. However, be mindful of your audience and avoid exaggeration.

What's the difference between "a horrifying prospect" and "a scary prospect"?

While both phrases express concern about a future event, "a horrifying prospect" suggests a deeper sense of dread and potential negative consequences compared to "a scary prospect", which can imply a more general sense of fear.