a terrifying sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrifying sight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes fear or dread when seen. Example: "As the storm approached, the dark clouds swirling in the sky became a terrifying sight for the villagers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was a terrifying sight to witness.

The Guardian

A witness of a terrifying sight, for example, may become oblivious to all sounds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A chairlift in July is somehow a terrifying sight — another uncanny gift, from Oregon.

The New Yorker

It is a terrifying sight, and you can't help imagining that it just fell from the sky.

The New York Times

Despite such a terrifying sight, many still decided to direct their lens' at the bear, rather than flee in the opposite direction.

Independent

(If that is true, then that pile of paper must have been a terrifying sight before Gottlieb got hold of it).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

They've gone through most of the NBA like a buzzsaw, but seeing the Miami Heat dressed like people you least want to meet in a dark alley is still a freshly terrifying sight.

Huffington Post

It was a truly terrifying sight.

Huffington Post

It was an ugly and terrifying sight, a bleeding Kidd crumpled on the court, for a team that knows it can't win without him.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a terrifying vision.

The New Yorker

In any event, I have to imagine that the sight of Marty Peretz penning another screed about how Arabs are mudbloods in his boxer shorts is an eminently more terrifying sight to behold on YouTube.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a terrifying sight" to vividly describe moments of intense fear or dread experienced when witnessing something. This phrase is effective in creating a strong emotional impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrifying sight" to describe mildly unpleasant or surprising situations. Reserve this phrase for scenarios that genuinely evoke fear and dread to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrifying sight" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something that causes intense fear or dread. Ludwig examples show its use in various narrative contexts, highlighting the emotional impact of what is being witnessed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a terrifying sight" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that evokes strong emotions of fear and dread. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in a variety of contexts, particularly in news reporting and descriptive narratives. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such intense emotional descriptors. Related phrases, such as "a frightening view" or "an alarming scene", can be used to fine-tune the specific shade of meaning. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and effectiveness in conveying vivid, fear-inducing imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a horrifying sight

Uses the word "horrifying" emphasizing the great shock and fear that something provokes.

a frightening view

Replaces "terrifying" with "frightening", indicating something that causes fear but possibly less intensely.

an alarming scene

Uses "alarming" to suggest something that causes worry or concern, shifting the focus slightly from pure fear.

a dreadful spectacle

Emphasizes the visual aspect and uses "dreadful" to convey a sense of extreme unpleasantness or fear.

an appalling sight

Emphasizes the disgust and shock induced by what is seen.

a horrifying vision

Highlights the shocking and disturbing nature of the sight, often implying a psychological impact.

a chilling spectacle

Replaces "terrifying" with "chilling", emphasizing the sensation of cold fear or dread.

a petrifying scene

Emphasizes the intense fear that renders one motionless or stunned.

a grim scene

Highlights the bleak and depressing nature of the sight, implying a sense of hopelessness.

a scary view

Offers a more casual and simple way to describe something that causes fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrifying sight" to describe something that evokes intense fear or dread upon viewing it. For example, "The burning building was a terrifying sight".

What are some alternatives to "a terrifying sight"?

You can use alternatives like "a frightening view", "an alarming scene", or "a horrifying vision" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a terrifying sight"?

It's appropriate to use "a terrifying sight" when describing something that genuinely provokes a strong sense of fear, horror, or dread. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences or mild surprises.

What's the difference between "a terrifying sight" and "a horrifying sight"?

While both phrases convey intense fear, "a terrifying sight" emphasizes the feeling of terror, while "a horrifying sight" emphasizes the shocking and disturbing nature of what is seen. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.