it can be scary

USAGE SUMMARY

'It can be scary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, scenario, or feeling. For example: "Going on a roller coaster for the first time can be scary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be scary.

The New York Times

"It can be scary," she acknowledged.

The New York Times

Even for an experienced sailor, it can be scary stuff.

Independent

"And yes, it can be scary at times.

The New York Times - Sports

Devices are becoming so helpful, it can be scary.

Harvard Business Review

It can be scary and hard to come out, especially when not everyone responds with enthusiasm.

Columbia University

In the morning it's never as bad, but it can be scary.

Independent

Minister (brushing his teeth while he rehearses) And, yes, it can be scary.

The Guardian

It can be scary to know my success or failure is completely down to me.

The Guardian - Books

It can be scary – people's reaction to you," said Barbara Nusbaum, an expert in money psychology.

The Guardian

However, running out of ideas does indeed exist – and when it happens it can be scary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scenario, follow "it can be scary" with a specific reason why it evokes fear to add clarity and impact. For example, "Public speaking can be scary because you're exposed to judgment."

Common error

Avoid using "it can be scary" without providing context. Saying something is scary without explaining why can leave the audience confused or disengaged. Always clarify what aspect is frightening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be scary" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a subjective assessment of a situation or experience. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from personal feelings to broader societal issues, as pointed out by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be scary" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential for fear or anxiety in various situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's frequently used in News & Media and Academia. While grammatically sound and widely understood, providing context ensures clearer communication. Ludwig examples confirm its usage is varied across several contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be frightening

Focuses on the potential for causing fright.

it could be intimidating

Highlights the possibility of feeling overwhelmed or daunted.

it may be alarming

Emphasizes the potential to cause concern or worry.

it can be daunting

Emphasizes the potential to discourage someone.

it might feel risky

Highlights the element of potential negative consequences.

it could be perilous

Emphasizes serious and immediate danger.

it may be treacherous

Suggests hidden dangers or unreliable conditions.

it can be uneasy

Emphasizes the feeling of worry or discomfort.

it could cause anxiety

Directly links the situation to feelings of anxiety.

it may make you nervous

Focuses on the feeling of nervousness.

FAQs

What does "it can be scary" mean?

The phrase "it can be scary" is used to express that something has the potential to cause fear or anxiety. It suggests that a situation, experience, or idea might evoke feelings of apprehension or unease.

How can I use "it can be scary" in a sentence?

You can use "it can be scary" to describe various situations. For example: "Starting a new job "it can be scary", but also exciting", or "Investing in the stock market "it can be scary" due to the risk involved."

What are some alternative phrases for "it can be scary"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it might be frightening", "it could be intimidating", or "it may be alarming", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it can be scary" formal or informal?

The phrase "it can be scary" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings.