is really harrowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is really harrowing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is deeply distressing or traumatic, often in the context of a story, experience, or event. Example: "The documentary about the war was really harrowing, leaving many viewers in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It is really harrowing.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It was really harrowing.

The Guardian - Film

As with all her books, it's really harrowing – a story about loss of identity, about finding yourself in a country which you don't recognise any more.

The Guardian - Books

You've got to keep your distance from cases to do them efficiently, but you do take a few cases home with you that are really harrowing.

Vice

We shot one of the scenes the day after Trump got elected, and it was really harrowing and weird.

Vice

"You've got to keep your distance from cases to do them efficiently, but you do take a few cases home with you that are really harrowing," says Pam. "On very, very rare occasions, we'll go to the funeral, and we might be the only people there," says Jo. Deep in a drawer, they find a photo of a little boy who turns out to be Andrew's godson, Paul*, who may have some rights to his estate.

Vice

"You've got to keep your distance from cases to do them efficiently, but you do take a few cases home with you that are really harrowing," says Pam. "On very, very rare occasions we'll go to the funeral, and we might be the only people there," says Jo. Buried deep in a drawer they find a photo of a little boy who turns out to be Andrew's godson, Paul*, who may have some rights to his estate.

Vice

"Talking to some of the victims at the emergency centre, there are some really harrowing stories.

BBC

She describes the situation as a "complex humanitarian crisis", and says: "The level of human suffering is really quite moving and harrowing".

BBC

I think that's really quite harrowing".

Vice

But despite having this harrowing effect on his listeners, Jamie Stewart, vocalist, writer and apparent cat hugger, is really normal.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is really harrowing", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the distress or trauma, providing specific details to enhance the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is really harrowing" as a general descriptor without providing specific examples or details that illustrate the severity of the situation. Overusing the phrase without sufficient context can diminish its impact and make your writing less effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is really harrowing" functions as an adjectival phrase used to describe a noun, emphasizing the distressing or traumatic nature of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing deeply unsettling situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is really harrowing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe situations that are deeply distressing or traumatic. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is adjectival, conveying the severity of a situation, most often in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it is crucial to provide specific context when using the phrase to ensure its impact is maximized. Alternatives like "is deeply upsetting" or "is truly distressing" can be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is deeply upsetting

Changes the intensity and emotional impact, focusing more on emotional disturbance.

is truly distressing

Emphasizes the genuine and significant nature of the distress caused.

is profoundly disturbing

Highlights the deeply unsettling and disruptive nature of the experience.

is acutely painful

Shifts the focus to the intense emotional or psychological pain experienced.

is intensely traumatic

Focuses on the potential for long-term psychological damage.

is extremely agonizing

Highlights the prolonged suffering and torment associated with the situation.

is exceptionally tragic

Emphasizes the sorrowful and unfortunate nature of the event or situation.

is genuinely dreadful

Highlights the unpleasant and frightening nature of the experience.

is remarkably grim

Focuses on the bleak and depressing aspects of the situation.

is exceptionally bleak

Emphasizes the hopeless and depressing nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "is really harrowing" in a sentence?

Use "is really harrowing" to describe experiences, stories, or situations that are deeply distressing or traumatic. For example, "The documentary about the war "is really harrowing", leaving many viewers in tears."

What can I say instead of "is really harrowing"?

You can use alternatives like "is deeply upsetting", "is truly distressing", or "is profoundly disturbing" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is really harrowing" in formal writing?

While "is really harrowing" is acceptable, it's better suited for news articles, personal essays or narratives, and less suited for formal academic writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "is deeply concerning".

What's the difference between "is really harrowing" and "is slightly disturbing"?

"Is really harrowing" suggests a significant and intense level of distress and trauma, while "is slightly disturbing" implies a mild level of unease or discomfort. The former describes something deeply upsetting, while the latter describes something mildly unsettling.