is very scary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very scary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes fear or anxiety in a strong way. Example: "The horror movie we watched last night is very scary; I couldn't sleep afterward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is very scary.

The New York Times

That is very scary".

The New York Times

Life is very scary.

Independent

"The system is very scary.

The New Yorker

Dikoy: The stormy storm is very scary!

The Guardian - Music

"The long-term trend is very scary".

The New York Times

"The free fall is very scary.

The Guardian - Travel

"It is very scary," Wang added.

The Guardian

"It is very scary now," Mr. Habineza said.

The New York Times

Anything that's unknown and mysterious is very scary.

The New York Times

This is very scary," said Sarmad Hussain, a PIA employee.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To increase writing sophistication, use synonyms like "terrifying", "frightening", or "alarming" to provide subtle differences in meaning and avoid redundancy.

Common error

While "is very scary" is acceptable, it can sound simplistic in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary like "is deeply concerning" or "is profoundly unsettling" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very scary" functions primarily as a subjective assessment, expressing a personal or collective feeling of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very scary" effectively expresses fear or alarm, making it a common expression across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and frequent use. While versatile, consider the audience and context to determine whether more sophisticated synonyms like "alarming" or "unsettling" might be more appropriate, especially in formal writing. The phrase's register is generally neutral, but its impact can be enhanced by providing specific reasons for the fear. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is extremely frightening

Emphasizes the intensity of fear, suggesting a higher degree of fright.

is absolutely terrifying

Conveys a sense of overwhelming fear and dread.

is truly petrifying

Suggests that something is capable of causing extreme fear, almost to the point of paralysis.

is utterly horrifying

Conveys complete and intense horror.

is incredibly chilling

Emphasizes the fear induced through suspense or a sense of coldness.

is genuinely spine-chilling

Implies a sensation of fear that runs down one's spine.

is quite alarming

Highlights the potential for danger or concern, focusing on the unsettling aspect.

is deeply unsettling

Focuses on the disturbing or disquieting nature of something.

is profoundly disturbing

Highlights the deeply upsetting or troubling nature of something.

is intensely dreadful

Implies a strong feeling of apprehension and aversion.

FAQs

What does "is very scary" mean?

The phrase "is very scary" describes something that causes a strong feeling of fear or anxiety. It indicates that a particular situation, object, or idea is frightening or alarming.

What can I say instead of "is very scary"?

You can use alternatives like "is extremely frightening", "is quite alarming", or "is absolutely terrifying" depending on the context to add nuance or emphasis.

Is "is very scary" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "is very scary" might be too informal for academic writing. Consider using more sophisticated and precise language such as "is deeply unsettling" or "is profoundly disturbing" to maintain a formal tone.

How can I make the phrase "is very scary" more impactful?

To increase the impact, provide specific details about why something "is very scary". For instance, instead of saying "The situation is very scary", you could say "The situation is very scary because the outcome is uncertain and the stakes are high".