in complete horror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in complete horror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being utterly shocked or terrified by something. Example: "She stood in complete horror as the news unfolded before her eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So when the front page of the Sun says 'Tulisa drug dealer' my mum called me in complete horror believing it.

The Guardian

Reports say the children managed to call their father in Ireland who was watching the scene unfold on television in complete horror.

Huffington Post

A helicopter flew into the icefall and brought out the dead bodies of our brothers one by one, as everyone watched in complete horror.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I thought, if he could face the shooter and tell his friends to run, if he could do that in the face of complete horror, I can certainly get up every day and promote a message of choosing love".

Huffington Post

Murphy, who worked in Mitsubishi's copper mines in the war, has described the experience as a "complete horror". .

Vice

He describes watching the meltdown that occurred in Western financial markets while out there as like watching "a complete horror show".

Independent

"It's a complete horror," he said.

The New Yorker

The 10mm HV Penetrator is a complete horror.

Vice

Since that hastily written debut, she has created four issues of her 'zine, Adventures in Menstruating, complete with leakage horror stories and tampon craft projects.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She was in a complete state of horror so we had to stop the shoot and give her a day to calm down.

The Guardian - Music

Head-in-hands horror.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a reaction to a shocking event, consider using "in complete horror" to convey a sense of utter disbelief and fear. Ensure the subject of the phrase is capable of experiencing such intense emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "in complete horror" for mildly unpleasant situations. This phrase conveys intense shock and fear, so reserve it for truly horrifying events or realizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in complete horror" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It provides context about the emotional state accompanying an action or observation. Ludwig AI shows examples of its uses in News & Media.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in complete horror" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of extreme shock, fear, or disgust. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While only a few examples are present, the phrase remains a powerful descriptor when conveying intense emotional responses. Remember to use it appropriately, reserving it for truly horrifying situations to avoid diminishing its impact. Consider alternatives like "utterly horrified" or "in utter shock" based on the specific nuance you wish to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly horrified

This emphasizes the feeling of extreme horror.

in utter shock

Focuses on the initial disbelief and mental paralysis.

in stark terror

Highlights the intense fear experienced.

aghast

A single word conveying a sense of shock and disgust.

appalled

Emphasizes moral outrage and disgust.

in disbelief and dismay

Adds a component of disappointment and concern to the reaction.

transfixed with fear

Suggests a paralyzing effect of horror.

paralyzed by fear

Explicitly states the inability to act due to terror.

frozen in fear

Similar to paralyzed, but with a visual implication of stillness.

with wide-eyed alarm

Focuses on the visual manifestation of surprise and fear.

FAQs

How can I use "in complete horror" in a sentence?

You can use "in complete horror" to describe someone's reaction to a terrifying or shocking event. For example, "She watched "in complete horror" as the building collapsed."

What are some alternatives to "in complete horror"?

Some alternatives include "utterly horrified", "in utter shock", or "aghast", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "in" before "complete horror"?

While "complete horror" can sometimes be used alone, including "in" creates a prepositional phrase that often strengthens the description of the emotional state. It's often a matter of stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "in complete horror" and "in complete silence"?

"In complete horror" describes an emotional reaction of intense fear and shock, while "in complete silence" describes a state of quiet or lack of sound. They both use a similar structure but describe different kinds of states.