frightful situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"frightful situation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation that is filled with fear, dread, or terror. For example: "The refugees were facing a frightful situation as they desperately tried to escape the war-torn country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I mean, really, who wouldn't do the same thing during this frightful situation, the poor lamb!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fright wigs, frightening women and frightful acting.

The New York Times

The ridiculous situations, the constant saving of each other from frightful danger, aren't, surprisingly, meant to be funny in themselves.

The Guardian - Music

Williams handles crime scene procedures with assurance, uses forthright language to portray a frightful killer and isn't above injecting a bit of Southern humor into a grim situation.

The New York Times - Books

SAN DIEGO — If there was any question about what situation would force Jerry Manuel to hand the ball to Oliver Perez, the Mets provided the frightful scenario Monday night.

The New York Times - Sports

Justin describes the situation as follows: "…The unfortunate slaves in the north of Saint-Domingue therefore experienced the most frightful famine.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

How frightful!

Independent

Those frightful Karinska tutus!

The New York Times

They sound frightful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Frightful medical sights.

The New Yorker

They are frightful places.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frightful situation" when you want to emphasize not just the negativity of a situation, but also the element of fear or dread it inspires. It suggests something more than merely unpleasant, but genuinely alarming.

Common error

Avoid using "frightful situation" in contexts that are simply negative or undesirable, but lack a significant element of fear or alarm. Using it too broadly dilutes its impact and makes your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frightful situation" functions as a noun phrase, where "frightful" modifies the noun "situation". According to Ludwig, it describes a circumstance filled with fear or dread.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frightful situation" is a correct and usable English phrase, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its use to describe circumstances filled with fear or dread. The phrase primarily appears in news and media contexts, conveying the severity and alarming nature of a situation. Alternatives such as "horrific situation" or "dreadful situation" offer similar connotations but vary in intensity. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context truly warrants the emphasis on fear and alarm to avoid sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrific situation

Emphasizes the shocking and appalling nature of the situation.

dreadful situation

Highlights the unpleasantness and potential for negative outcomes.

terrible situation

A general term emphasizing the severity and undesirability of the situation.

alarming situation

Focuses on the potential danger and the need for concern.

dire predicament

Emphasizes the urgency and potential for disaster.

precarious circumstances

Highlights the instability and risk associated with the situation.

critical juncture

Indicates a crucial point where decisions have significant consequences.

grave emergency

Stresses the seriousness and immediate need for action.

perilous state

Highlights the risk and potential harm involved.

risky affair

Implies uncertainty and the possibility of negative results.

FAQs

How can I use "frightful situation" in a sentence?

You can use "frightful situation" to describe a scenario filled with fear, dread, or alarm. For example: "The refugees faced a "frightful situation" as they tried to escape the war zone."

What are some alternatives to "frightful situation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "horrific situation", "dreadful situation", or "terrible situation".

When is it appropriate to use "frightful situation"?

It is appropriate when describing circumstances that evoke a strong sense of fear or alarm, indicating more than just negativity. It's suitable for situations that are truly dire or perilous.

What's the difference between "frightful situation" and "terrible situation"?

"Frightful situation" emphasizes the element of fear and dread, while "terrible situation" is a more general term for something very bad or unpleasant. The former implies a more intense emotional response.