it is terrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is terrifying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express fear or anxiety about a situation, event, or concept. Example: "The thought of speaking in front of a large audience is terrifying to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is terrifying even in the quiet moments; it is most terrifying in the quietest moments.

Huffington Post

It is terrifying.

The New Yorker

And yes, it is terrifying.

The New York Times

At worst, it is terrifying.

The Guardian

And it is terrifying to imagine what could happen tomorrow.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is terrifying at first, the sound of crashing thunder.

The New York Times

Both Hodges and Webster appear in the photograph in the album booklet, and it is terrifying.

The New Yorker

It is terrifying news, filtered through the oddly emotionless tones of a professional translator.

Independent

And when the face huggers leap at you it is terrifying.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"…It is terrifying to be pinned face down, even if it is on a crash mat! Please try other things first love me" "One way #dearmentalhealthprofessionals helped me is by introducing me to crisis plans.

BMC Psychiatry

Directed by Lynne Ramsay, this film--as beautiful as it is terrifying--was a stunner at Cannes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is terrifying" to convey a strong sense of fear or dread in a specific situation. Be mindful of the context and ensure that the intensity of the phrase matches the severity of the situation you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "it is terrifying" in situations that are only mildly concerning or slightly unsettling. Using such a strong phrase in a minor context can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Choose more appropriate language like "it's concerning" or "it's unsettling" for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is terrifying" functions as a descriptive expression, where "it" refers to a specific subject or situation, "is" serves as a linking verb, and "terrifying" acts as a predicate adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is terrifying" effectively communicates intense fear or dread. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media to describe alarming situations. While its usage is generally neutral, it is crucial to reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong emotional expression to avoid diluting its impact. Remember that less intense alternatives like "it's frightening" or "it's alarming" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. By understanding its nuances, you can use "it is terrifying" to add significant emotional weight to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's frightening

Emphasizes the causing of fear.

it's alarming

Highlights the potential for danger or concern.

it's dreadful

Focuses on the unpleasantness and horribleness of something.

it's horrifying

Suggests a strong feeling of shock and disgust.

it's petrifying

Implies a paralyzing fear.

it fills me with dread

Highlights the feeling of anticipation of something terrible.

it's unsettling

Indicates a disturbance of one's peace of mind.

it's chilling

Suggests a fear that is cold and unsettling.

it's unnerving

Highlights the loss of courage or confidence.

it makes my blood run cold

Uses a vivid image to describe intense fear.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it is terrifying" can be used to describe something that causes great fear or anxiety. For example, "The thought of public speaking "it is terrifying" to me", or "It is terrifying to imagine what could happen tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is terrifying"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it's frightening", "it's alarming", or "it's horrifying" to convey similar feelings of fear or dread.

Is "it is terrifying" formal or informal?

The phrase "it is terrifying" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific situation and audience should be considered to ensure the tone is appropriate.

What makes "it is terrifying" different from "it is scary"?

While both phrases convey fear, "it is terrifying" suggests a more intense and overwhelming sense of dread compared to "it is scary". "It is terrifying" implies a profound level of fear that can be paralyzing or deeply unsettling.