it seems terrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems terrifying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling or perception of fear or dread about a situation, event, or object. Example: "The thought of speaking in front of a large audience seems terrifying to many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In that spirit, here is a set of practical tools to keep yourself moving toward a better future, even when it seems terrifying.

Vice

It seems terrifying when a large amount of people are staring at you, but you have to stay calm.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I can laugh about it now, but at the time, it seemed terrifying.

The Guardian

It just seems terrifying, like you would be the constant target of harassment or even sexual assault.It was challenging being in a men's prison because I faced a different level of discrimination being a trans woman, having this body, and being around all these men.

Vice

By the time he comes around, it's a wonder there's anything left of him; somehow, the happily-ever-after seems terrifying.

The New Yorker

The way is wide open, but the journey seems terrifying.

The Guardian - Film

The thought of having your attention focused on someone so small seems terrifying to me.

Independent

Sure, the divorced parents' children seemed shellshocked, there are financial complications and post-marriage dating seems terrifying.

The New York Times

If the world seems terrifying at times, that's because you're technically still a child.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the eyes of Nausicaa and her companions, he seems terrifying.

The Guardian - Books

And motorbikes make up the majority of road traffic, so while the Indonesian driving style seems terrifying to the uninitiated, drivers are on the qui vive for bikes.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems terrifying" to express a subjective feeling or perception of fear. Be mindful of the context to ensure the level of intensity aligns with the situation.

Common error

While "it seems terrifying" is a valid expression, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by employing synonyms or rephrasing the sentence for a more nuanced effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems terrifying" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a subjective assessment of something as frightening. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase commonly describes a feeling or appearance rather than an objective truth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems terrifying" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey a subjective feeling of fear or dread. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English, finding common ground in neutral registers like news and media. While alternatives such as "it appears frightening" or "it feels alarming" exist, understanding the slight differences in nuance can refine your writing. When utilizing this phrase, remember to express personal perceptions of fear or apprehension in a way that aligns with the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears frightening

Changes the verb from 'seems' to 'appears', offering a slightly more detached observation.

it feels alarming

Replaces 'terrifying' with 'alarming', suggesting a sense of unease rather than outright fear.

it looks dreadful

Substitutes 'terrifying' with 'dreadful', implying a sense of hopelessness or aversion.

it sounds daunting

Uses 'daunting' instead of 'terrifying', focusing on the intimidating nature of something.

it presents itself as frightening

More formal and descriptive, emphasizing the way something is perceived.

it comes across as scary

Uses a more informal tone, highlighting the subjective experience of fear.

it is perceived as threatening

Focuses on the potential danger or harm associated with something.

it gives the impression of being horrifying

Emphasizes the impact on the observer, suggesting a strong negative reaction.

it strikes one as frightening

A more literary or formal way of expressing the initial feeling of fear.

it is seemingly petrifying

Uses the more dramatic word 'petrifying' to amplify the feeling of terror.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems terrifying" to express that something evokes a feeling of intense fear or dread. For example, "The prospect of public speaking "it seems terrifying" to many people."

What are some alternatives to "it seems terrifying"?

Alternatives include "it appears frightening", "it feels alarming", or "it looks dreadful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it seems terrifying" formal or informal?

"It seems terrifying" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

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

"It seems terrifying" expresses a subjective perception or feeling, while "it is terrifying" states a more objective fact about something. The former implies a personal reaction, while the latter suggests a more universal truth.