it seems scary

USAGE SUMMARY

"it seems scary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to discuss a situation or experience that appears frightening. For example: "The dark forest seemed scary, so I decided to turn around and go back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is not only the schism that turns voters off; the vehemence of it seems scary, weird and disproportionate.

The Economist

BEIJING — It seems scary, even crazy: talk of a "sea of fire" and an "arc of destruction," nuclear missiles slamming into distant shores.

The New York Times

And I'm not going to let you run away from it because it seems scary.

Los Angeles Times

First, know you're not alone if it seems scary or overwhelming.

Vice

True Confession: I don't know if I can really maintain this whole betch thing -- it seems scary and exhausting.

Huffington Post

Many of them worry about the news, because it seems scary or it feels like something they can't control.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The metal ramp stood less than five feet high and the cone-lined track extended a few harmless yards into the parking lot, but to about 40 kids who had signed up to ride down the ramp on a wheeled luge sled for the first time, it seemed scary enough.

The New York Times - Sports

As we drove home, Grace announced that she realized how good it felt to do something even when it seemed scary.

Huffington Post

And you have to lean forward even if it makes it seem scarier.

WikiHow

"That wall seems scary; it sits there and you know it's there.

The New York Times - Sports

It may seem scary, but it's definitely worth a shot.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems scary" to describe situations, ideas, or feelings that appear frightening at first glance but may not necessarily be dangerous upon closer inspection. For example, "Starting a new business it seems scary, but the rewards can be great."

Common error

While "it seems scary" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in formal contexts might make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider using alternatives like "it appears daunting" or "it presents a challenge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems scary" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a subjective perception of something as frightening or intimidating. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. The examples show its use in various contexts, from describing political situations to personal challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems scary" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for conveying a subjective feeling of fear or intimidation. As Ludwig AI validates, it fits well in various contexts, although it may be more suited for neutral or informal writing than highly formal documents. Frequent sources include news and media, as well as Wiki pages, showcasing its broad appeal. If you're looking for alternatives, consider options like "it appears frightening" or "it looks intimidating" to adjust the tone and formality of your writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in professional settings and aim for nuanced language that accurately reflects the intended emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears frightening

Changes "seems" to "appears" and "scary" to "frightening", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it looks intimidating

Replaces "seems scary" with "looks intimidating", focusing on the visual aspect of causing fear.

it feels daunting

Shifts from a visual perception to an emotional experience, using "daunting" to describe the feeling.

it gives a sense of dread

Emphasizes the feeling of impending doom or anxiety that the situation evokes.

it has a frightening aspect

Highlights a particular part or quality of something that causes fear.

it presents a terrifying image

Focuses on the creation of a mental picture that inspires terror.

it instills fear

Directly states that something is causing fear, making it a more forceful expression.

it's perceived as alarming

Indicates that the scary nature is based on general opinion and can be different across different people.

it seems unsettling

Conveys a feeling of unease or disturbance rather than outright fear.

it evokes apprehension

Describes the act of causing worry or anxiety about the future.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems scary" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems scary" to describe something that appears frightening or intimidating. For example, "The thought of public speaking "it seems scary" to many people."

What are some alternatives to "it seems scary"?

Some alternatives include "it appears frightening", "it looks intimidating", or "it feels daunting", depending on the context.

Is "it seems scary" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "it seems scary" might be considered informal in some professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "it presents a challenge" or "it appears daunting".

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

"It seems scary" implies a subjective perception of fear, while "it is scary" suggests an objective assessment of danger. For example, "The movie "it seems scary", but it's actually quite funny" versus "That alley "it is scary" at night because there have been reports of muggings".