he was terrified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was terrified" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of extreme fear or intense anxiety in a character or person. Example: As he walked down the dark alleyway, he was suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling of terror. He was terrified that something or someone might be lurking in the shadows, waiting to attack him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was terrified".

The New York Times

He was terrified of heights.

The New York Times

Now he was terrified.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was terrified, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was terrified of my aunt.

The New York Times

He was terrified and felt helpless.

The New York Times

He was terrified of Carole.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was terrified of death.

The New Yorker

He admits now that he was terrified.

The New York Times

But he was terrified of the telephone!

The New York Times - Arts

Her husband, though, said he was "terrified".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was terrified" to convey a strong sense of fear or anxiety in a character or subject. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "he was terrified" repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "he was petrified" or "he was scared stiff" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was terrified" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a state of extreme fear experienced by an individual. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was terrified" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict a state of intense fear. As Ludwig AI validates, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "he was scared" or "he was frightened" exist, "he was terrified" suggests a more profound level of fear. Remember to use it appropriately, ensuring the context aligns with the gravity of the emotion. Overusing it can diminish its impact, so vary your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was petrified

Implies a complete state of fear, almost turning to stone.

he was scared stiff

Emphasizes the intensity of fear, suggesting paralysis or immobility.

he was frightened

A more general term for being scared, less intense than terrified.

he was horrified

Suggests a reaction of disgust and shock mixed with fear.

he was filled with dread

Highlights the overwhelming feeling of impending doom.

he was in a panic

Focuses on the state of anxiety and disarray caused by fear.

he was fearful

A more formal way of saying scared or afraid.

he was alarmed

Emphasizes a sudden sense of danger or threat.

he was apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or dread about the future.

he was anxious

A milder form of fear, indicating worry and unease.

FAQs

How can I use "he was terrified" in a sentence?

You can use "he was terrified" to describe a character's intense fear in a particular situation. For example, "He was terrified when he heard the footsteps behind him."

What are some alternatives to "he was terrified"?

Some alternatives include "he was petrified", "he was frightened", or "he was scared", depending on the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "he was terrified"?

Yes, "he was terrified" is grammatically correct. "Terrified" is an adjective describing his state of being, and it follows the standard subject-verb-adjective structure.

When is it appropriate to use "he was terrified" versus "he was scared"?

"He was terrified" implies a higher degree of fear than "he was scared". Use "he was terrified" when the fear is extreme and overwhelming.