horrifying time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "horrifying time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is extremely distressing or frightening, often in a personal or historical context. Example: "The war was a horrifying time for the civilians caught in the crossfire, as they faced constant danger and uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet it was an infinitely more horrifying time nonetheless.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Their vision for our future, while a little horrifying at times, seems to have our best interests at heart.

Forbes

"The Serbian commentator was also horrified every time Conchita received maximum scores".

Huffington Post

I am horrified every time I hear about a landlord harassing tenants to get them out of their rent-stabilized apartments, or when long-time elderly residents are forced out after their new landlords decide they want to raise rents.

Huffington Post

"They tried to make me go to rehab, and I said No, No, No" – funny at the time, horrifying in hindsight.

The Guardian

Most discussions are for now behind closed doors, but some well-funded events like today's dubbed "Geoengineering: The Horrifying Idea Whose Time has Come?"--are putopic the tonicenterenter stage.

Science Magazine

Of course, an American question time horrifies some politicians.

The New York Times

The New York Times: Horrifying new numbers on America's obesity rates.

The New York Times

But the details of what had happened remained murky, at times horrifying, and often bowdlerized.

The New Yorker

The gun was later found at a hideout used by the S.L.A. "I was horrified at the time," Ms. Montague said.

The New York Times

I was horrified the first time my husband and I were thanked on Facebook by someone we'd had over for a multicourse dinner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "horrifying time" to describe a period marked by extreme fear, suffering, or violence. Ensure the context clearly establishes the specific events or circumstances that make the time period horrifying.

Common error

Avoid using "horrifying time" to describe situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly unpleasant. This phrase should be reserved for truly dreadful or traumatic periods, to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "horrifying time" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "horrifying" modifies the noun "time". It's used to characterize a specific period as deeply distressing or frightening. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "horrifying time" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase employed to describe a period marked by extreme distress or fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively infrequent, its usage is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, primarily within news and media, to convey the severe and disturbing nature of the described period. Related phrases such as "terrible ordeal" or "traumatic period" can offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly illustrates the reasons for the described period to be considered truly horrifying, avoiding overuse in mildly unpleasant situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible ordeal

This alternative uses 'ordeal' to emphasize the difficulty and unpleasantness of the experience, rather than focusing solely on the horror.

traumatic period

This phrase focuses on the psychological impact of the time, highlighting the potential for lasting emotional damage.

dreadful era

Using 'era' broadens the scope to a longer time frame, suggesting widespread suffering and fear during that period.

frightening experience

This alternative uses 'experience' to emphasize the personal and subjective nature of the horrifying time.

gruesome episode

This option emphasizes the shocking and disturbing nature of a particular event within that time.

nightmarish phase

This conveys the feeling of unreality and intense fear associated with a nightmare.

horrific chapter

This implies that the "horrifying time" is part of a larger narrative, emphasizing its significance within that story.

distressing moment

This emphasizes the emotional pain and suffering experienced during the time.

ghastly interval

This uses more archaic language to convey a sense of dread and unease associated with the time.

appalling stage

This highlights the shocking and unacceptable nature of events during that time.

FAQs

How can I use "horrifying time" in a sentence?

Use "horrifying time" to depict a period filled with extreme fear, distress, or violence. For example: "The war was a "horrifying time" for civilians."

What are some alternatives to "horrifying time"?

Alternatives include "terrible ordeal", "traumatic period", or "dreadful era", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "horrifying time" a formal or informal expression?

"Horrifying time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is advisable to consider the specific audience and adjust the language accordingly. In highly formal settings, consider alternatives such as "traumatic period".

What makes a "horrifying time" different from a "difficult time"?

A "difficult time" implies challenges and hardships, while a "horrifying time" specifically suggests extreme fear, distress, and possibly violence. The key difference lies in the intensity and nature of the negative experiences.