absolutely terrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely terrifying" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is extremely frightening or causing extreme fear. Example: The horror movie was absolutely terrifying, with its intense jump scares and eerie sound effects.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is absolutely terrifying.

Independent

It was absolutely terrifying".

Independent

"Absolutely terrifying for me.

The New Yorker

"It's absolutely terrifying for them.

The Guardian

And the data is absolutely terrifying.

The Washington Post

The things I dream are absolutely terrifying.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Absolutely terrified".

The Guardian

"We were 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more nuance, combine "absolutely terrifying" with specific details that evoke the fear, such as describing the cause or effect of the terror. For instance, "The silence in the abandoned house was absolutely terrifying, amplifying every creak and whisper."

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely terrifying" to describe situations that are only mildly unpleasant or slightly worrying. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when describing genuinely frightening scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely terrifying" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and used to describe something extremely frightening. The adverb "absolutely" emphasizes the intensity of the adjective "terrifying."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absolutely terrifying" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that serves to emphasize the extreme nature of fear. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is indeed correct in written English. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it paints a picture of intense dread and terror, avoiding understatement. When using it in writing, consider whether the situation truly merits such a strong term to maintain its intended impact. While many alternatives exist, be sure the level of fear they express aligns with what you intend to convey. While common, avoid overuse to ensure it retains its power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly horrifying

Changes 'terrifying' to 'horrifying', emphasizing the shock and disgust aspects of fear.

completely frightening

Replaces "terrifying" with "frightening", a more general term for causing fear.

genuinely petrifying

Substitutes "terrifying" with "petrifying", implying an immobilization through fear.

truly spine-chilling

Shifts the focus to the physical sensation of fear, suggesting a shiver down the spine.

exceptionally alarming

Uses "alarming" instead of "terrifying", focusing more on the sense of danger and worry.

remarkably dreadful

Employs "dreadful" to describe something causing great fear and aversion.

seriously scary

Replaces with the less formal word "scary", while keeping the emphasis through "seriously".

exceptionally daunting

Shifts focus to the challenge and intimidation rather than pure fear.

intensely unsettling

Focuses on the disturbance and discomfort caused by something, rather than direct fear.

downright frightening

Uses "downright" for emphasis while replacing "terrifying" with "frightening".

FAQs

What does "absolutely terrifying" mean?

The phrase "absolutely terrifying" describes something that is extremely frightening or induces intense fear. The adverb "absolutely" amplifies the adjective "terrifying", emphasizing the extreme nature of the fear.

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

You can use "absolutely terrifying" to describe experiences, situations, or even concepts that evoke a strong sense of fear. For example: "The roller coaster was absolutely terrifying" or "The thought of public speaking is absolutely terrifying to me."

What are some alternatives to "absolutely terrifying"?

Some alternatives to "absolutely terrifying" include "utterly horrifying", "completely frightening", or "genuinely petrifying". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "absolutely terrifying" an overused phrase?

While "absolutely terrifying" is a common phrase, it is not necessarily overused if applied appropriately to situations that genuinely warrant a strong feeling of fear. However, using it for mildly unpleasant situations can diminish its impact.