frightening matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frightening matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or topic that causes fear or anxiety. Example: "The report revealed a frightening matter that required immediate attention from the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Such divides are no longer a matter of education, wealth, poverty, faith, nationhood; instead they have become a frightening matter of enlightenment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Geisel was criticized for exposing young readers to frightening subject matter.

The New York Times

"Anytime anything like that happens, it is frightening no matter how many times you have heard a gunshot," Cruz said.

The New York Times - Sports

The notion that a George W. Bush or John McCain or Sarah Palin potentially could have been in charge during these crises has to be frightening no matter what your political ideology might be.

Huffington Post

And the lesson from the psychological research is that you can't force people to feel frightened, no matter how hard you try.

Vice

Every frightening event, no matter how negative it might seem from the sidelines, has the potential to be traumatic or not to the person experiencing it.

The New Yorker

"Mike," he said they had told him, "no matter how frightening it is, you don't say that".

The New York Times

We have every right to interrogate those, no matter the frightening pictures and quotes from sermons we are shown.

The New Yorker

"No matter how frightening it feels to jump into the void, you keep your integrity and eventually something even better comes along".

The New York Times

Kids need to be reminded that those connections remain benign, no matter how frightening the images on the screen (or the panic in their parents' eyes) may be.

The New Yorker

It's not so much a personal concern ("I'm in a very strong relationship. I have a person in my life, and we trust each other," he says) but a matter of frightening statistics.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "frightening matter", consider the level of formality required by your audience. While grammatically correct, it may sound slightly dramatic in casual conversation. Choose a synonym such as "alarming issue" or "worrying concern" for less formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "frightening matter" in informal conversations or casual writing. The phrase's formality might feel out of place and could be better expressed with simpler alternatives like "scary situation" or "worrying issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frightening matter" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object, describing a topic or situation that induces fear or anxiety. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frightening matter" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a subject or situation that causes fear or anxiety. According to Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for written English. It leans towards a neutral to slightly formal register and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While correct, the phrase is relatively rare. Consider alternatives like "alarming issue" or "terrifying subject" depending on the desired emphasis and level of formality. When using this phrase, it is important to be mindful of the audience and context to ensure it effectively conveys the intended meaning without sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Alarming issue

Replaces "frightening" with "alarming" and "matter" with "issue", creating a slightly less intense feeling.

Terrifying subject

Substitutes "frightening" with "terrifying" to emphasize the intensity of fear and "matter" with "subject".

Scary situation

Uses more common and less formal terms to describe a frightening event or circumstance.

Disturbing development

Focuses on the unsettling and concerning nature of an event, rather than specifically evoking fear.

Worrying concern

Highlights the anxiety and unease associated with a particular issue or problem.

Troubling affair

Indicates a problem that is both frightening and complex, potentially involving unethical or illegal activities.

Menacing prospect

Emphasizes the threatening and potentially dangerous nature of a future event or situation.

Dire predicament

Highlights the extreme seriousness and potential for negative outcomes in a difficult situation.

Daunting challenge

Focuses on the intimidating and difficult aspects of a task or obstacle.

Appalling state of affairs

Emphasizes a terrible or shocking situation, combining both fear and moral outrage.

FAQs

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

You can use "frightening matter" to describe a situation or topic that causes fear or anxiety. For example: "The report revealed a frightening matter that required immediate attention from the authorities."

What can I say instead of "frightening matter"?

You can use alternatives like "alarming issue", "terrifying subject", or "scary situation depending on the context.

Is "frightening matter" formal or informal?

"Frightening matter" leans towards the formal side. Simpler alternatives are often more appropriate for informal contexts.

When is it best to use the phrase "frightening matter"?

The phrase "frightening matter" is best used in formal writing or when emphasizing the seriousness and anxiety associated with a particular issue.