good at scaring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good at scaring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is effective in causing fear or fright. Example: "The haunted house was so well designed that it was truly good at scaring visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, though, apparently concluding that a good offense is the best defense, an increasing number of employers are filing pre-emptive lawsuits aimed at scaring off potential plaintiffs.

The New York Times

But when Scaring questioned him he looked at Scaring like a mouse looking at a cobra.

The New Yorker

They do a really good job of scaring the wits out of at least a few people in each group".

The New York Times

But it's good to scare yourself.

The Guardian - Music

I've always maintained it is good to scare children".

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's good to scare people.

Vice

"He is so good it scares me".

The New Yorker

"The second was so good it scared the chorus.

The New York Times

Too physically uncoördinated to be any good at team sports, too scared of horses to enjoy riding lessons, and too sensitive not to despair when, at the age of eight, he was sent away to boarding school, he was happiest spending time with his grandmother the Queen Mother, who gave him hugs, took him to the ballet, and, as he later put it, "taught me how to look at things".

The New Yorker

So, if there's a side to your personality that is a smarty pants, nerdy, super-good-at-math side don't be scared to let it come out and play every once in a while.

Huffington Post

("I want to be so good that it scares me").

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a haunted house or horror movie, use "good at scaring" to convey its effectiveness in creating a frightening experience. For example: "The haunted house was so well designed that it was truly "good at scaring" visitors."

Common error

Avoid using "good at scaring" in formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "adept at frightening" or "proficient in inducing fear" for a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good at scaring" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the subject's proficiency in causing fear. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "good at scaring" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to describe something or someone effective at causing fear. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, commonly found in news and media, but with a generally neutral register. When aiming for more formal or precise language, consider alternatives like "adept at frightening" or "proficient in inducing fear". Understanding these nuances allows for effective and context-appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effective at frightening

Focuses on the outcome, highlighting the effectiveness of the method in causing fright.

adept at frightening

Replaces "good" with "adept" for a more formal tone, implying a high level of skill in causing fright.

skilled at terrifying

Substitutes "good" with "skilled" and "scaring" with "terrifying", emphasizing expertise and a more intense level of fear.

proficient in inducing fear

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "good" with "proficient" and "scaring" with "inducing fear", suggesting a technical or calculated approach.

capable of instilling fear

Emphasizes the capacity to create fear, using a more formal and psychological tone.

excels at frightening people

Highlights exceptional performance in frightening others, suggesting a superior ability.

deft at eliciting fear

Replaces "good" with "deft" and "scaring" with "eliciting fear" for a more sophisticated and nuanced description of the ability.

talented at giving scares

Replaces "scaring" with "giving scares", providing a slightly more casual and direct expression.

has a knack for scaring

Indicates a natural talent or inclination for scaring, implying ease and inherent skill.

particularly scary

Focuses on the quality of being scary rather than the act of scaring, highlighting the inherent scariness.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "good at scaring"?

Being "good at scaring" means being effective or skilled in causing fear or fright in others. It implies an ability to create a frightening experience, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

What are some synonyms for "good at scaring"?

Alternatives to "good at scaring" include "adept at frightening", "skilled at terrifying", and "effective at frightening". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "good at scaring" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "good at scaring" might be considered too informal for academic or professional contexts. More sophisticated alternatives like "proficient in inducing fear" or "capable of instilling fear" may be more suitable.

How can I use "good at scaring" in a sentence?

You can use "good at scaring" to describe something or someone that effectively causes fear. For example, "That movie is really "good at scaring" people" or "He's surprisingly "good at scaring" his younger brother."