extremely frightening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely frightening" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The eerie sound in the dark woods was extremely frightening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

That's extremely frightening to people like me.

University of California, Berkeley

And it was, she said, "extremely frightening".

The New Yorker

Patrols would last two or three hours and were often extremely frightening.

Independent

When I did Hamlet at Avignon, I thought: how to make the ghost extremely frightening?

The Guardian

To others, it was extremely frightening as the plane bounced around like a roller coaster.

The New York Times - Sports

As a result, any time I heard the music for many year afterwards I found it extremely frightening.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Items are rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 = "not frightened or worried by this sensation" to 5 = "extremely frightened by this sensation".

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The items are rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 = "not frightened or worried by this sensation" to 5 = "extremely frightened by this sensation".

BMC Psychiatry

So we're extremely frightened.

Independent

She was, and remains, extremely frightened.

The Guardian

I was extremely frightened by all the blood.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. While "extremely frightening" is widely understood, use more descriptive or evocative language if aiming for a specific emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "extremely frightening" to describe situations that are only mildly unsettling or concerning. Overusing it dilutes its impact and can sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely frightening" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that causes a high degree of fear. Ludwig confirms this by providing numerous examples where the phrase is used to intensify the feeling of fear associated with a particular event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extremely frightening" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that serves to intensify the feeling of fear. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans across various contexts, from news reports to personal narratives. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in situations that warrant a less intense expression of fear. Alternatives such as "terrifying", "horrifying", and "deeply alarming" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context and desired impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrifying

Single word alternative for something that causes intense fear.

horrifying

Indicates something that causes great horror or shock.

deeply alarming

Emphasizes the concern and worry caused by something.

intensely scary

Highlights the high degree of fear induced.

utterly terrifying

Adds emphasis to the feeling of terror.

exceptionally scary

Highlights the unusual degree of fear induced.

unsettling

Implies something that disturbs or makes someone anxious.

disturbing

Suggests something that causes worry or unease.

spine-chilling

Evokes a physical sensation of fear.

panic-inducing

Specifically describes something that causes panic.

FAQs

How can I use "extremely frightening" in a sentence?

You can use "extremely frightening" to describe situations or experiences that cause a high level of fear. For example, "The sudden blackout during the storm was an extremely frightening experience".

What are some alternatives to "extremely frightening"?

Alternatives include "terrifying", "horrifying", or "deeply alarming" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "extremely frightening" too strong for everyday conversation?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "scary" or "alarming" might be more appropriate unless you truly want to emphasize the intensity of fear.

Which is more impactful: "frightening" or "extremely frightening"?

"Extremely frightening" is more impactful as it intensifies the degree of fear being described. Use it when you want to strongly emphasize the terrifying nature of something.