it is horrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is horrifying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong negative reaction to something disturbing or shocking. Example: "The news of the natural disaster was so tragic that it is horrifying to think about the lives lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It is horrifying to see.

The New York Times - Books

It is horrifying and demoralizing that the rest of society does not view them as such.

Harvard University

It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an army base on American soil".

Independent

This closing argument is far from exhaustive, but it is horrifying enough.

The Washington Post

"It is horrifying to find out that you could be sued by a president," she said.

The Guardian - Arts

"It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was horrifying.

The New York Times

When the story broke, it was horrifying.

The New York Times

And because of this, it's horrifying.

The Guardian - Travel

I have to try it, even if it's horrifying".

The New Yorker

It's horrifying to think history could repeat itself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is horrifying" to express strong disapproval or shock when describing events, situations, or behaviors that cause significant distress or moral outrage.

Common error

Avoid using "it is horrifying" to describe mildly negative situations. Overusing such strong language can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Reserve it for truly shocking or disturbing contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is horrifying" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a strong negative judgment or emotional response to a particular situation, event, or idea. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is horrifying" is a phrase used to express a strong negative emotional response, particularly shock, disgust, or moral outrage. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While effective for conveying intense feelings, it's crucial to avoid overuse in mild situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "it is appalling" or "it is shocking" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is horrifying to consider

Specifically focuses on the act of thinking about something as the source of horror.

it is shocking

Highlights the unexpected and unsettling nature of something.

it is atrocious

Stresses the extreme wickedness or cruelty of something.

it is appalling

Emphasizes moral outrage and disapproval rather than fear.

it is frightening

Emphasizes the fear-inducing aspect of something.

it is terrible

A more general expression of strong disapproval or sadness.

it is sickening

Highlights the disgusting or nauseating nature of something.

it is upsetting

Highlights the emotional distress caused by something.

it is dreadful

Focuses on the unpleasant or low quality of something, often evoking pity.

it is dismaying

Focuses on the disappointment and discouragement caused by something.

FAQs

How can I use "it is horrifying" in a sentence?

Use "it is horrifying" to express a strong negative reaction to something deeply disturbing or shocking. For example, "It is horrifying to think about the consequences of climate change."

What can I say instead of "it is horrifying"?

You can use alternatives like "it is appalling", "it is shocking", or "it is terrible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is horrifying" in writing?

Use "it is horrifying" when describing situations, events, or actions that evoke strong feelings of fear, disgust, or moral outrage. It is best suited for serious or tragic contexts where a powerful emotional response is warranted.

Is "it is horrifying" too strong for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "it is horrifying" might be considered overly dramatic for casual conversation. In less formal settings, consider using milder alternatives such as "it is awful" or "it is terrible".