a scary prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a scary prospect' is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it, for example, when talking about a daunting or intimidating situation such as 'The thought of leaving home for college was a scary prospect'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's a scary prospect.

The New York Times

He's a scary prospect.

The New Yorker

It's a scary prospect.

The New York Times

This is a scary prospect.

The New York Times - Style

A parallel economy run by the mafia is a scary prospect for legitimate firms.

The Economist

But reducing nutrition programs available through the Older Americans Act is a scary prospect.

The New York Times

At least one worker was pricked, a scary prospect in this day and age.

The New York Times - Sports

"Still, it can be a scary prospect, that loss of control".

The New York Times - Tech

This was a scary prospect for the team as well as for McDaniel.

The New York Times - Sports

A scary prospect when you watch any of their previous bouts and see how talented and dynamic both athletes are.

Independent

It's a scary prospect and nobody I interviewed for that story — including people famously associated with the concept — was excited about the idea.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scary prospect" to introduce a situation or possibility that causes fear or anxiety. It effectively sets a tone of apprehension and can be used to preface further discussion about the potential negative consequences.

Common error

While "a scary prospect" is appropriate for formal and news-related contexts, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Simpler phrases might be more suitable for everyday discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scary prospect" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or appositive. It describes a situation or possibility that is frightening or causes anxiety. The examples on Ludwig confirm this usage, presenting scenarios viewed as alarming or worrisome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scary prospect" is a frequently used phrase, primarily found in news and media, to express worry or fear about a potential situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While alternatives like "a worrying possibility" or "a daunting challenge" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. When using "a scary prospect", consider the context and audience to ensure it appropriately conveys the intended level of concern. Although very useful, one should avoid overusing it in casual conversations where other options may be more suited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worrying possibility

Focuses on the potential for concern or anxiety.

a daunting challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and intimidation associated with a task or situation.

a troubling development

Highlights the problematic or concerning nature of an event or situation.

a cause for alarm

Directly indicates that something is worrying or dangerous.

an unsettling idea

Focuses on the disturbing or disquieting nature of a thought or concept.

a disturbing scenario

Highlights the concerning and potentially negative aspects of a hypothetical situation.

a precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential for negative outcomes.

a bleak outlook

Focuses on the pessimistic or unfavorable nature of future prospects.

an unwelcome development

Highlights the undesirable nature of an event or situation.

a pessimistic forecast

Specifically refers to a negative prediction or expectation about the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "a scary prospect" to describe something that is likely to cause fear or anxiety. For example: "The possibility of job losses is "a scary prospect" for many employees".

What are some alternatives to saying "a scary prospect"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a worrying possibility", "a daunting challenge", or "a troubling development" as alternatives.

Is it better to say "a scary prospect" or "a frightening prospect"?

Both "a scary prospect" and "a frightening prospect" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Scary" is generally more common, while "frightening" might suggest a more intense level of fear.

What makes something "a scary prospect"?

Something becomes "a scary prospect" when it involves a high degree of uncertainty, potential danger, or negative consequences. It suggests that the situation is not only undesirable but also evokes a sense of fear or anxiety.