it can be terrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be terrifying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or experience that may evoke fear or anxiety. Example: "The thought of speaking in front of a large audience can be terrifying for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

This knowledge has a beauty of its own, and it can be terrifying.

The Guardian - Books

"It can be terrifying".

The New York Times

Firework displays on Bonfire Night are enjoyed by most people, but for a pet, it can be terrifying.

Independent

It's impossible to predict which babies will get stuck — average-size babies get caught, too — but when they do, it can be terrifying.

The New York Times - Magazine

That may be appealing when the markets are rising, but it can be terrifying when they fall, as they have recently.

The New York Times

But racism is real – and the first step to having a practical conversation is to admit that it's real and that it can be terrifying.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

While the prospect of doing a reality show may be exciting for the person who volunteered to participate in it, the whole zoo can be terrifying for their close family and friends who don't really understand what-all their loved one has signed them up for by going on television.

HuffPost

From Back to the Future's Mr Strickland, the gun-toting nemesis of the McFly family, to sports-loving sadists such as Mr Sugden in Kes, if film's teachers have taught us anything it's that our superiors can be terrifying.

The Guardian - Film

"Change can be terrifying", it added, "but we know what happens if we do nothing".

Vice

"Change can be terrifying", it added, "but we know what happens if we do nothing". Most chillingly, tronc announced itself and its intentions with a short video, plinky pianos and clips of green shoots bursting through the ground.

Vice

However, it's speaking in front of large groups can be terrifying for some -- even Buffett.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be terrifying", ensure the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the context. Clarity helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be terrifying" repeatedly within a short span in your writing. Diversify your descriptions of fear using synonyms and vivid imagery to keep your narrative engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be terrifying" functions as a descriptive statement, expressing the potential of something to induce intense fear. It is commonly used to convey a subjective experience, as shown in examples analyzed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be terrifying" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that something has the potential to induce intense fear. As evidenced by Ludwig's analysis, this phrase is frequently found in news and media, showcasing its versatility in describing various anxiety-inducing scenarios. While the phrase is generally neutral to informal, its impact is undeniable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts, provided the subject 'it' is clearly defined. Alternatives such as "it could be frightening" or "it may be alarming" offer subtle variations in intensity and probability. Overall, while effective, overuse of this phrase can be avoided by diversifying emotional descriptions through alternative words and descriptive imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be frightening

Replaces 'can be' with 'could be', suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty, and 'terrifying' with 'frightening', a less intense emotion.

it might be scary

Substitutes 'can be' with 'might be', indicating a lower probability, and 'terrifying' with 'scary', which is generally less intense.

it may be alarming

Replaces 'can be' with 'may be', suggesting possibility and 'terrifying' with 'alarming', indicating a sense of unease or concern.

it has the potential to be daunting

Changes the structure to emphasize potential and replaces 'terrifying' with 'daunting', highlighting intimidation.

it is capable of instilling fear

Uses a more formal tone and highlights the ability to cause fear rather than the feeling itself.

it is apt to create anxiety

Rephrases the sentence using "apt to" and replaces 'terrifying' with 'anxiety', focusing on the emotional response.

it is liable to cause dread

Similar to "apt to", it indicates likelihood and 'dread' implies a persistent, anticipatory fear.

it is enough to make one panic

Emphasizes the intensity to induce panic, changing the focus from a general sense of fear to a more acute reaction.

the experience is chilling

Focuses on the 'experience' and describes it as chilling, implying a cold, unsettling fear.

it fills you with trepidation

Shifts the focus to the recipient of the fear and uses 'trepidation' to indicate apprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "it can be terrifying" to describe situations, experiences, or ideas that evoke fear or anxiety. For example, "The thought of public speaking "it can be terrifying" for many people."

What are some alternatives to "it can be terrifying"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say, "it can be terrifying"?

Yes, "it can be terrifying" is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English syntax.

What does "it can be terrifying" mean?

The phrase "it can be terrifying" describes something that has the potential to cause intense fear or anxiety. The intensity of the fear will vary.