it is very scary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is very scary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express fear or apprehension about a situation, event, or object. Example: "The horror movie we watched last night was so intense that it is very scary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"It is very scary.

The New York Times

"It is very scary," Wang added.

The Guardian

"It is very scary now," Mr. Habineza said.

The New York Times

"It is very scary," he said in a statement.

The Washington Post

But the potential for more-grievous harm is real, and it is very scary.

MIT Technology Review

"It is very scary because of all the great white sharks out there.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

And as you would expect, it's very scary for parents". Is AFM a new disease?

Johns Hopkins University

It was very scary.

The New York Times

It's very scary".

The New York Times - Arts

But it was very scary.

The New York Times

Yes, it was very scary.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is very scary", consider the context to determine if a stronger or more nuanced adjective might be more impactful. For example, "terrifying" or "unsettling" could provide a more precise description.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "very" to intensify adjectives. While grammatically correct, it can weaken your writing. Experiment with stronger adjectives such as "terrifying" instead of "very scary" for a more vivid effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very scary" functions as a subjective description, expressing a feeling of fear or apprehension. As seen in Ludwig, this expression is commonly used to convey personal reactions to frightening or unsettling situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is very scary" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey feelings of fear or apprehension. Ludwig's analysis indicates its presence across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While perfectly acceptable, writers should consider using stronger or more descriptive adjectives for greater impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and effective for expressing personal reactions to frightening situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's quite frightening

Replaces "very scary" with "quite frightening", suggesting a slightly less intense level of fear.

it's really terrifying

Substitutes "very scary" with "really terrifying", indicating a stronger sense of fear.

it is quite alarming

Uses "alarming" instead of "scary", shifting the focus to a sense of danger or worry.

it is genuinely frightening

Emphasizes the authenticity of the fear by using "genuinely" to describe the frightening nature of the situation.

it is deeply unsettling

Replaces "scary" with "unsettling", conveying a sense of unease and disturbance.

it is truly frightening

Uses "truly frightening" to reinforce the intensity of the fear being experienced.

it is rather frightening

Replaces "very scary" with "rather frightening", softening the expression.

it is exceptionally alarming

Replaces "very scary" with "exceptionally alarming", expressing a heightened state of alarm.

that's a bit unnerving

Uses "unnerving" to express a feeling of anxiety, changing the sentence structure.

that's quite intimidating

Employs "intimidating" to suggest fear stemming from a sense of being threatened or overwhelmed.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is very scary"?

You can use alternatives like "it is quite frightening", "it is really terrifying", or "it is quite alarming" depending on the context.

Is "it is very scary" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is very scary" is grammatically correct. However, consider using more descriptive adjectives for a stronger impact.

When is it appropriate to use "it is very scary"?

"It is very scary" is appropriate when you want to express a general sense of fear or apprehension about something. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though the specific setting might influence the choice of alternative expressions.

What's the difference between "it is very scary" and "it is terrifying"?

While both express fear, "it is terrifying" is stronger and more impactful because it replaces the intensifier "very" with a more vivid adjective. "It is very scary" is acceptable but less forceful.