absolutely terrified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely terrified" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone is experiencing intense fear or terror. Here is an example: After the roller coaster car stopped, she stepped off completely white-faced and absolutely terrified.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Absolutely terrified".

The Guardian

"I was absolutely terrified".

The Guardian - Sport

They look absolutely terrified.

The Guardian - Travel

I remember being absolutely terrified.

The Guardian

He was "absolutely terrified, paralysed.

The Guardian

"I was absolutely terrified," Rajanayagam said.

The Guardian - Sport

I remember sitting there absolutely terrified.

The Guardian

I mean, the guy was absolutely terrified.

The Guardian

In fact, he added, "They're absolutely terrified".

The New Yorker

It made me feel absolutely terrified".

The Guardian

"I was absolutely terrified," Clodagh said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "absolutely terrified" with descriptive details to enhance the emotional impact on the reader. Instead of just saying someone was "absolutely terrified", describe their physical reactions or the surrounding environment.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely terrified" when describing mild discomfort or anxiety. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving genuine fear or extreme apprehension. Using it inappropriately can dilute its meaning and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely terrified" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of extreme fear. Ludwig examples show it modifying subjects, as in "I was absolutely terrified" or objects, such as "They look absolutely terrified."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely terrified" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase to express intense fear. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples across different contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations that genuinely warrant a strong expression of fear, avoiding overuse in mild scenarios. Related phrases like "utterly petrified" or "completely frightened" can offer nuanced alternatives. It's important to consider the context and audience to ensure its appropriate and impactful use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely petrified

Similar to utterly petrified; emphasizing complete fear.

utterly petrified

Emphasizes a state of being completely paralyzed by fear.

in complete terror

Highlights the state of extreme fear and dread.

completely frightened

Highlights the feeling of intense fear.

scared stiff

Implies that someone is frozen in place due to fear.

frozen with fright

Emphasizes the immobilizing effect of sudden and intense fear.

in a state of panic

Focuses on the overwhelming anxiety and loss of control caused by fear.

paralyzed with fear

Highlights the immobilizing effect of intense fear.

trembling with fear

Showcases the physical manifestation of fear through shaking.

deeply afraid

Underscores the profound level of fear experienced.

FAQs

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

You can use "absolutely terrified" to describe someone experiencing intense fear. For example, "She was "absolutely terrified" during the horror movie."

What are some alternatives to "absolutely terrified"?

Alternatives include "utterly petrified", "completely frightened", or "scared stiff", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "absolutely terrified"?

Yes, "absolutely terrified" is grammatically correct. "Absolutely" is an adverb modifying the adjective "terrified", creating a phrase that intensifies the feeling of fear.

When is it appropriate to use "absolutely terrified" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a character's extreme fear or panic. Reserve it for situations where the level of fear is genuinely high to maintain its impact and credibility.