a terrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes fear or dread, often in a dramatic or impactful way. Example: "The movie was a terrifying experience that left the audience on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

He also brought up a terrifying counterfactual.

The New York Times

A spectre is a terrifying supernatural vision.

Independent

IT is a terrifying read.

The Guardian - Books

Denaturalization is a terrifying concept.

The New Yorker

Soon, a terrifying situation unfolds.

The Guardian - Film

Was he a terrifying prospect?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

This is a terrifying, terrifying prospect.

The Washington Post

What good is a terrified customer?

The New Yorker

They found only a terrified family.

The New York Times

A terrified Orlev ran to her.

The New Yorker

A terrified improvisation turns into butchery.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a terrifying" to vividly describe situations, experiences, or entities that evoke intense fear or dread. It is especially effective when aiming to create a strong emotional impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrifying" in overly casual or trivial contexts, as it can diminish the impact of the phrase. Reserve it for situations where the level of fear or dread genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrifying" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to attribute a quality of extreme fear or dread to the noun it describes. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe experiences, situations, and even individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrifying" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something that causes intense fear or dread. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business settings. To ensure effective communication, use "a terrifying" judiciously, reserving it for scenarios where the level of fear genuinely merits such a strong descriptor. Alternatives such as ""a frightening"", ""a horrifying"", and ""an alarming"" can be considered to provide a more nuanced expression, depending on the specific context and intended emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frightening

Replaces "terrifying" with a more common synonym, focusing on the act of causing fright.

a horrific

Shares the same intensity as "horrifying", emphasizing severe distress and terror.

a horrifying

Emphasizes the shocking and disturbing nature of something.

an alarming

Shifts the focus to something that causes concern or signals danger.

a dreadful

Indicates something extremely unpleasant or causing great fear.

a shocking

Emphasizes the unexpected and disturbing nature of something.

a chilling

Highlights the fear through the imagery of coldness or a sense of unease.

a frightful

Similar to frightening but carries a slightly more old-fashioned tone.

a scary

A more informal and straightforward way to express fear-inducing qualities.

a daunting

Focuses on something that is intimidating and likely to discourage action.

FAQs

How can I use "a terrifying" in a sentence?

Use "a terrifying" to describe something that evokes intense fear. For example, "The movie was "a terrifying" experience" or "He told "a terrifying" story about his encounter with the paranormal".

What are some alternatives to "a terrifying"?

Alternatives include "a frightening", "a horrifying", "an alarming", or "a dreadful", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is more impactful: "a terrifying" or "a scary"?

"A terrifying" generally conveys a more intense and profound sense of fear than "a scary". "Terrifying" suggests a deeper, more unsettling fear, while "scary" is often used for milder or more superficial frights.

When is it appropriate to use "a terrifying" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing situations, events, or entities that genuinely inspire intense fear or dread. It should be used judiciously to maintain its impact and credibility. Overusing it can diminish its effect.