it appears frightening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it appears frightening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that seems scary or intimidating based on observation or perception. Example: "As I walked through the dark forest, it appears frightening, with shadows lurking behind the trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Steve appears frightening because he finds it easier to describe himself as a murderer than to acknowledge that his family life has been abusive.

The Guardian

The world on the other side appears frightening and overwhelming.

Huffington Post

She appears frightened, lost.

The New Yorker

The animal appears frightened and is then bludgeoned to death.

The Guardian

This can appear frightening to the outside world, and sometimes it is frightening to the young people trapped within it, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like a map with destinations but no roads, the cantos appear frightening, fascinating, rebarbative and barely navigable.

The Guardian - Books

A giant among his contemporaries, he appeared frightening at first glance, with his large, piercing eyes and bushy eyebrows, but he was friendly and unassuming in manner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the jellyfish, which have no brain or bones, may appear frightening to some, they're actually harmless to humans as their stings are not strong enough to wound, however it is advised to not touch them.

Independent

Or is the issue not that this is the age of terrorism but the age of immigration from a new set of countries ones whose people may not look the way that Trump thinks Americans should look but, rather, appear frightening to him?

The New Yorker

In other words, although to modern eyes he may appear frightening, he was actually decent.

BBC

The cast also share their top tips on the techniques used to make something appear frightening on screen.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it appears frightening" to describe something whose frightening nature is based on subjective perception or initial assessment. For example, "The task ahead it appears frightening, but with careful planning, it's manageable."

Common error

Avoid using "it appears frightening" to present a subjective opinion as an objective fact. Instead, ensure the context clearly indicates that it's an impression or initial perception, not an absolute truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it appears frightening" functions as a descriptive expression, where "appears" serves as a linking verb connecting "it" to the adjective phrase "frightening". Ludwig AI indicates that this is acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Encyclopedias

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Wiki

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

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Social Media

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it appears frightening" is grammatically correct and conveys a subjective impression of something being scary or intimidating. Ludwig's analysis shows that this phrase functions descriptively, expressing a perception rather than a definitive fact. The tone is relatively neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, although it may lean towards formality. While the phrase isn't particularly common, understanding its nuances can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing. As shown by Ludwig, while perfectly valid, ensure the context reflects subjective perception to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems scary

Replaces "frightening" with "scary", a more common and less formal synonym.

it looks intimidating

Shifts the focus to the intimidating aspect, emphasizing the feeling of being daunted or threatened.

it feels alarming

Emphasizes the feeling of alarm or concern that the situation evokes.

it presents a fearful aspect

More formal and descriptive, highlighting the fearful impression it gives.

it is seemingly terrifying

Uses "terrifying" for a stronger sense of fear, and "seemingly" to indicate it's an appearance.

it gives a frightening impression

Focuses on the impression created, rather than the direct appearance.

it has a menacing air

Suggests an atmosphere of threat and danger.

it projects a frightening image

Highlights the visual aspect and the image conveyed as frightening.

it strikes as daunting

Shifts the focus to being daunting or overwhelming.

it radiates menace

Implies a subtle but pervasive sense of danger.

FAQs

How can I use "it appears frightening" in a sentence?

Use "it appears frightening" to describe something that seems scary or intimidating based on initial observation or perception. For example, "From a distance, the storm "it appears frightening"."

What are some alternatives to saying "it appears frightening"?

You can use alternatives such as "it seems scary", "it looks intimidating", or "it feels alarming" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it appears frightening" formal or informal?

"It appears frightening" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal side compared to alternatives like "it seems scary".

What's the difference between "it appears frightening" and "it is frightening"?

"It appears frightening" suggests a subjective impression or initial assessment, while "it is frightening" presents it as an objective or established fact. The former implies observation, while the latter asserts a direct quality.