a terrifying effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrifying effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an impact or influence that causes fear or dread in a particular context, such as literature, film, or real-life situations. Example: "The sudden appearance of the ghost had a terrifying effect on the audience, leaving them in stunned silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Returning to Boston, Julia discovers the music has a terrifying effect on her young daughter, Lily.

Huffington Post

Perhaps it is because she is so cold to our view of democracy and women's rights that her ideals could have a terrifying effect here in California.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gaps in the glass reveal a hollow interior, which, if you look inside, has a slightly terrifying effect; it's like being stuck inside a mirror ball.

The New York Times

We want this to be a terrifying force of nature".

Independent

That indeed would be a terrifying outcome for ImClone investors.

Forbes

It is a terrifying event.

Huffington Post

The terrifying effect is of a sort of exorcism.

The New Yorker

Angela Caputo, for example, killed herself in an unimaginable manner: no one who had read her poems, with their charged and ambivalently childlike atmosphere, could have predicted such an atrocious death, stage-managed down to the finest detail for maximum terrifying effect.

The New Yorker

Giertz is no stranger to automating sharp things to terrifying effect, but Kamkar's hacks are often — and I mean this in the best possible way — borderline criminal.

TechCrunch

One audience member asked about a Center for Cognitive Liberty and Ethics study that emphasized its "terrifying" effects, while another made a cheeky inquiry about the doctor's encounters with the "utter conviction that what you just did has started a chain of events that will imminently lead to the apocalypse" among salvia users.

Vice

But this new report comes at a time when the virus currently scaring everyone isn't influenza, but Zika fever, an outbreak that has caused few fatalities, but has other terrifying effects including the dreaded microcephaly babies born with abnormally small heads and undeveloped brains (something science only linked to the Zika virus last year).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a terrifying effect" to describe a clear and direct consequence that evokes a strong sense of fear or dread. Ensure the subject experiencing the effect is clearly identified for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrifying effect" to describe minor inconveniences or mildly unpleasant situations. The phrase is best reserved for scenarios that genuinely inspire significant fear or anxiety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrifying effect" functions as a noun phrase, where "terrifying" modifies "effect". It describes a specific type of impact or outcome, as supported by Ludwig's examples that show it modifying music's impact or the result of an exorcism. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a terrifying effect" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an outcome that induces significant fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with situations genuinely causing dread, avoiding trivialization. Alternatives like "a frightening impact" or "a horrifying consequence" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. It is more suitable in writing where a strong emotional impact is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frightening impact

Replaces "terrifying" with "frightening", maintaining a similar level of intensity but with a slightly broader application.

a petrifying result

Uses a stronger term for fear, implying paralysis or immobilization due to terror.

a horrifying consequence

Shifts the focus to the outcome or result, emphasizing the horror associated with it.

an alarming consequence

Highlights the cause for concern and potential danger associated with the outcome.

a dreadful outcome

Highlights the unpleasantness and severity of the result, rather than the immediate fear.

a spine-chilling result

Emphasizes the physical sensation of fear, making it a more visceral experience.

a chilling influence

Suggests a more subtle but pervasive effect, creating a sense of unease or apprehension.

a paralyzing influence

Focuses on the ability of the effect to stop or hinder progress or action.

a devastating impact

Emphasizes the destructive and overwhelming nature of the effect.

a shocking impact

Indicates a sudden and unexpected effect that causes surprise and potentially fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrifying effect" to describe something that causes great fear. For example, "The sudden darkness had "a terrifying effect" on the children".

What phrases are similar to "a terrifying effect"?

Similar phrases include "a frightening impact", "a horrifying consequence", or "a dreadful outcome", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a terrifying effect" formal or informal?

"A terrifying effect" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's best suited for situations where a strong emotional impact is being described.

What is the difference between "a terrifying effect" and "terrifying effects"?

"A terrifying effect" refers to a singular, specific instance of something causing terror. "Terrifying effects" refers to multiple or general instances of terrifying consequences.