it looks terrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it looks terrifying' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase for situations in which something is frightening to look at. For example, "When I saw the storm clouds rolling in, it looked terrifying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It looks terrifying, as grim fighters wade ashore and loot a town in flames.

Independent

We are relieved not to have made it through because it looks terrifying.

The Guardian - Travel

It looks terrifying from the eyes of a child: uniforms, places you cannot go, restrictions that hold you in a place filled with suffering.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, I want to get hit in the face with a baseball bat and wake me up when it's over because I've seen the videos and it looks terrifying".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

At more than 1,000 pages, this book looks terrifying.

The Guardian - Books

They can't go backwards and forwards looks terrifying.

TechCrunch

#GHOUL looks terrifying.

Huffington Post

Everyone involved looks terrifying.

Vice

All in all, the doc looks terrifying. .

Huffington Post

Seen up close, the 45-ton machine and its workings look terrifying, and it is fascinating to see some of the singers work out their panic (or not).

The New York Times - Arts

Don't force a handshake on someone who looks terrified by it or who declines it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it looks terrifying" to describe something that visually inspires fear or anxiety. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it looks terrifying" in situations where a milder expression of concern or apprehension would be more appropriate. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks terrifying" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a terrifying appearance to a subject. Ludwig examples show its application in various contexts, from describing movies to real-life situations. The phrase's grammatical correctness is affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it looks terrifying" is a grammatically sound and widely understood expression used to describe something that appears frightening. While deemed correct by Ludwig AI, its limited presence in diverse sources suggests a relatively rare usage. Its primary function is descriptive, conveying a subjective impression of fear or alarm, predominantly found in news and media contexts. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing to employ this phrase, as its intensity may not always be appropriate. Ludwig's examples underscore its versatility in expressing visually-induced fear, solidifying its role as a potent descriptor in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears frightening

Replaces "looks" with "appears" and "terrifying" with "frightening", resulting in a more formal tone.

it seems alarming

Substitutes "looks" with "seems" and "terrifying" with "alarming", suggesting a potential cause for concern.

it comes across as dreadful

Uses "comes across as" instead of "looks", indicating a perceived quality, and replaces "terrifying" with "dreadful", implying a sense of unpleasantness.

it presents itself as horrifying

Employs "presents itself as" to describe the impression given, and "horrifying" to amplify the sense of terror.

it strikes one as petrifying

Indicates a strong, immediate feeling of fear using "strikes one as" and "petrifying".

it inspires dread

Shifts the focus to the feeling evoked, using "inspires" and the more evocative "dread".

it is quite scary to behold

Adds "to behold" emphasizing the visual aspect of what is frightening. "Quite scary" softens the impact slightly.

it is intimidating to observe

Changes the focus to the observer and uses "intimidating", suggesting a feeling of being threatened or overwhelmed.

the sight of it is unnerving

Emphasizes the visual aspect and uses "unnerving" to describe the disturbing effect.

it gives me the creeps

An idiomatic expression indicating a feeling of unease or disgust, rather than intense fear.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "it looks terrifying"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears frightening", "it seems alarming", or "it comes across as dreadful" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it looks terrifying"?

It is appropriate when describing something that visibly inspires fear, anxiety, or a sense of impending doom. This can range from a horror movie scene to a dangerous weather phenomenon.

Is "it looks terrifying" too strong for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "it looks terrifying" can be perceived as overly dramatic in casual settings. Consider the context and audience to determine if a milder expression is more suitable.

How does the phrase "it looks terrifying" compare to "it is terrifying"?

"It looks terrifying" focuses on the visual aspect that inspires fear, while "it is terrifying" suggests that something is inherently frightening, regardless of appearance. The former is subjective, the latter is objective.