a terrifying feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrifying feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an intense emotional response to fear or anxiety in various contexts, such as literature, personal experiences, or discussions about emotions. Example: "As the horror movie reached its climax, I was overwhelmed by a terrifying feeling that made my heart race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's a terrifying feeling to feel that powerless".

Independent

"It is a terrifying feeling being so helpless".

The Guardian

"It's a terrifying feeling and one in which, unless you have been stalked, you have no idea how women have to live in a state of anxiety like that".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a liberating, terrifying feeling.

The New Yorker

I thought I could forget the look on his face as I fell and ignore the terrifying feeling of longing in my chest.

The New York Times

She is upfront about the bewildering and terrifying feeling of waking up after the procedure with two bags attached to her internal organs, as well as drains, drips, tubes and catheters.

Independent

That sequence has this eerie, terrifying feeling -- all of the detail where Goebbels is looking at Göring, all these little looks.

Huffington Post

Your daughter will be experiencing a range of self-talk that will be, for the most part, very negative, such as feeling victimized, angry with herself and at her husband, deeply saddened at the loss, grieving, terrified, feeling stupid and unlovable, etc.

WikiHow

IT is a terrifying read.

The Guardian - Books

Denaturalization is a terrifying concept.

The New Yorker

Soon, a terrifying situation unfolds.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a personal experience, use "a terrifying feeling" to effectively convey the intensity of fear or anxiety you felt during that moment.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrifying feeling" too frequently in your writing. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms like "a frightening emotion" or "an alarming sensation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrifying feeling" functions as a noun phrase, where 'terrifying' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'feeling'. Ludwig examples show it describing intense emotional states. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a terrifying feeling" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe intense fear or dread. Ludwig's analysis, supported by various examples, reveals that this phrase is suitable for a range of contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. While there are several alternatives, like "a frightening emotion", the original phrase effectively conveys a profound sense of fear. Be mindful of overuse and adapt your language to maintain engagement. The Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frightening emotion

Substitutes 'terrifying' with 'frightening', which is a more common and direct synonym.

a dreadful sensation

Replaces 'terrifying' with 'dreadful' and 'feeling' with 'sensation', altering the tone slightly.

a horrific feeling

Replaces 'terrifying' with 'horrific', intensifying the sense of fear and disgust.

a chilling emotion

Substitutes 'terrifying' with 'chilling' and 'feeling' with 'emotion', focusing on the cold, unsettling aspect.

an unnerving emotion

Substitutes 'terrifying' with 'unnerving', highlighting the disturbing and unsettling aspect of the emotion.

a petrifying experience

Changes the phrase to describe an event ('experience') rather than an internal state, emphasizing the fear-inducing nature of the event.

an alarming sensation

Replaces 'terrifying' with 'alarming', suggesting a sense of immediate danger or warning.

a harrowing experience

Focuses on the distressing nature of the experience that causes the feeling.

a scary feeling

Simplifies the language by using 'scary' instead of 'terrifying', making it more informal.

a daunting sensation

Replaces "terrifying" with "daunting", shifting the focus to the overwhelming nature of the feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrifying feeling" to describe an intense emotional response to fear or anxiety, such as "As the storm intensified, I was overwhelmed by "a terrifying feeling".".

What can I say instead of "a terrifying feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "a frightening emotion", "an alarming sensation", or "a horrific feeling" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a terrifying feeling" since terror is already a feeling?

While 'terror' inherently implies a feeling, ""a terrifying feeling"" emphasizes the intensity and specific nature of the experience, making it a valid and commonly used expression.

What distinguishes "a terrifying feeling" from "a scary feeling"?

"A terrifying feeling" suggests a deeper, more profound sense of dread and fear than "a scary feeling", which is often used for milder, more superficial experiences of fright.