absolutely harrowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely harrowing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an experience or situation that is extremely distressing or traumatic. Example: "The documentary about the war was absolutely harrowing, leaving many viewers in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"This is absolutely harrowing".

The New York Times

A road trip is undertaken at "absolutely harrowing highway speeds," in pure Pnin-speak.

The New Yorker

We'd been experiencing for three hours what people in Bangui have experienced for more than nine months under Séléka rule, and it was absolutely harrowing.

Vice

Figueres, who was there with the Costa Rican delegation, described it as "an absolutely harrowing experience".

The New Yorker

"People have been doing things that were absolutely harrowing and getting away with it," Mr. Mills said, "but you don't get away with it forever".

The New York Times

"I'm just a normal mum and out of nowhere, I was being accused of false and fabricated allegations of a sexual nature against my son that were absolutely harrowing," she said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's also absolutely gorgeous -- Mihai Malaimare Jr., who shot Francis Ford Coppola's "Tetro," handles the cinematography -- and harrowing and scary and dreamy and intense and broad and perfect.

Huffington Post

It's pretty harrowing.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is really harrowing.

Independent

It is also harrowing.

The Economist

A. It was harrowing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely harrowing" to describe experiences that evoke strong feelings of fear, distress, or shock. Reserve it for situations that are genuinely extreme and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely harrowing" to describe everyday inconveniences or mildly unpleasant events. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely harrowing" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a high degree of distress or unpleasantness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely harrowing" is used to describe situations or experiences that are extremely distressing or traumatic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal use. While not a highly frequent phrase, it is commonly found in news and media contexts when reporting on significantly negative events. When employing the phrase, it's crucial to reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke strong feelings of fear, distress, or shock and avoid overusing it in mild or commonplace situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly terrifying

Emphasizes the fear-inducing aspect of the experience more strongly than the original phrase.

completely dreadful

Focuses on the unpleasant and negative qualities of the situation.

genuinely distressing

Highlights the emotional upset and suffering caused by the experience.

truly appalling

Emphasizes the shocking and morally reprehensible nature of the situation.

thoroughly frightening

Places greater emphasis on the fear and alarm caused by the event.

absolutely devastating

Focuses on the overwhelming and ruinous impact of the situation.

downright scary

A more informal way to describe something that is extremely frightening.

unbelievably grim

Stresses the bleakness and hopelessness of the scenario.

exceedingly traumatic

Highlights the long-lasting psychological damage caused by the event.

intensely painful

Focuses on the emotional or physical suffering experienced.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely harrowing" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely harrowing" to describe events or experiences that are deeply distressing or traumatic. For instance, "The survivors shared absolutely harrowing accounts of the disaster."

What are some alternatives to "absolutely harrowing"?

Alternatives include "utterly terrifying", "completely dreadful", or "genuinely distressing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "absolutely harrowing" in formal writing?

Yes, "absolutely harrowing" is appropriate for formal writing when describing events that are genuinely distressing. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a more nuanced or descriptive phrase might be more effective.

What makes an experience "absolutely harrowing"?

An experience is "absolutely harrowing" when it involves extreme distress, fear, or suffering that leaves a lasting impact. It typically involves elements of trauma or shock that are significantly beyond ordinary unpleasantness.