a scary proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scary proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an idea or suggestion that is intimidating or causes fear. Example: "The idea of moving to a new city without a job lined up is a scary proposition for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's a scary proposition.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet relying on that is a scary proposition.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a scary proposition, but it also appears to be true.

The New York Times

That presents a scary proposition in a country with almost no antivenin stocks.

The New York Times

That cooking mussels is a scary proposition is an all-too-common misconception.

The New York Times - Food

That's a scary proposition for the rest of the National Basketball Association.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

To suddenly be valued and measured by your mastery of human relationships can be a very scary proposition for a person who has been valued and measured only by his mastery of things," says Rick.

Science Magazine

(Ages 4 to 8) Being a child can be a pretty scary proposition.

The New York Times - Books

It's a really scary proposition and it's getting progressively worse," said Stephen McCarney, of the security company Arxan Technologies.

The Guardian - Tech

It will be a genuinely scary proposition if McIlroy can recreate this mix of maturity and metronomic magnificence on a regular basis.

Independent

It is a rather scary proposition, filling the air with flying machines piloted by anyone with the whim and the wherewithal.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a scary proposition", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the fear or concern. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a scary proposition" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and nuanced language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "a concerning development" or "a precarious situation" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scary proposition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes something as frightening or risky. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scary proposition" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe something that is frightening or risky. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While its usage is generally neutral, it should be carefully considered in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language may be warranted. Alternatives like "a frightening prospect" or "a daunting challenge" may be more appropriate in some situations. When employing "a scary proposition", it’s essential to provide clear context regarding the source of fear or concern to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frightening prospect

Replaces "proposition" with "prospect", maintaining the sense of something anticipated with fear.

a daunting challenge

Substitutes "scary" with "daunting" and "proposition" with "challenge", shifting the focus to the intimidating nature of a task.

a terrifying idea

Uses "terrifying" instead of "scary" and "idea" instead of "proposition", emphasizing the fear associated with a concept.

a worrying possibility

Replaces "scary" with "worrying" and "proposition" with "possibility", highlighting the concern and potential negative outcome.

a risky undertaking

Emphasizes the element of risk involved, replacing "scary" with "risky" and "proposition" with "undertaking".

an alarming situation

Focuses on the alarming nature of a situation, replacing "scary" with "alarming" and "proposition" with "situation".

a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential danger, using "precarious" instead of "scary".

an intimidating option

Replaces "scary" with "intimidating" and "proposition" with "option", emphasizing the feeling of being overwhelmed.

a nerve-wracking proposal

Uses "nerve-wracking" instead of "scary" and "proposal" instead of "proposition", emphasizing the anxiety-inducing nature of the idea.

a hazardous endeavor

Focuses on the potential for harm or danger, replacing "scary" with "hazardous" and "proposition" with "endeavor".

FAQs

How can I use "a scary proposition" in a sentence?

"A scary proposition" is used to describe something that seems frightening or risky. For example: "Investing all your savings in a new business is "a scary proposition"."

What are some alternatives to "a scary proposition"?

You can use alternatives like "a frightening prospect", "a daunting challenge", or "a terrifying idea" depending on the specific context.

Is "a scary proposition" formal or informal?

"A scary proposition" is generally considered neutral in formality. While suitable for many contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings.

What makes something "a scary proposition"?

Something is ""a scary proposition"" when it involves a significant degree of risk, uncertainty, or potential negative consequences, causing apprehension or fear.