it was horrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was horrifying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience or event that caused fear, shock, or disgust. Example: "The movie was so intense that by the end, I could only think about how it was horrifying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was horrifying.

The New York Times

When the story broke, it was horrifying.

The New York Times

"It was horrifying to find out those things.

The Guardian

It was horrifying at first to see that wound.

The New York Times

The afternoon was as exhilarating for the Knicks as it was horrifying for the Bulls.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was horrifying to not be able to help this person you love," she said.

The New York Times

And it was horrifying … It was extremely uncomfortable from there forward".

The Guardian

But you couldn't see, you couldn't recognize anyone; it was horrifying.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was horrifying, because you have to talk with this smile in your voice.

The Guardian - Music

It was horrifying, and I loved that we were all being forced to look at it.

The New Yorker

It was horrifying, as I knew it would be, so why did I watch it in the first place?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was horrifying" to express strong negative reactions to events, experiences, or discoveries. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described as horrifying to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was horrifying" to describe mildly unpleasant situations. Reserve it for truly shocking, disturbing, or frightening scenarios to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was horrifying" functions as a descriptive statement, expressing a strong negative emotional reaction to a past event or experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively communicates intense feelings of shock, fear, or disgust.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was horrifying" is a powerful expression used to describe events that evoke intense negative emotions, such as fear, shock, or disgust. Grammatically sound and very common across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in news and media reporting. While versatile, it's best reserved for truly disturbing situations to maintain its impact, avoiding overuse in milder contexts. Alternatives like "it was terrifying" or "it was shocking" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was terrifying

Replaces "horrifying" with a synonym emphasizing fear and dread.

it was appalling

Substitutes "horrifying" with a term highlighting the shocking and offensive nature of the event.

it was dreadful

Replaces "horrifying" with a word focusing on the unpleasant and severe quality of the experience.

it was ghastly

Substitutes "horrifying" with a term evoking a sense of horror and disgust.

it was shocking

Replaces "horrifying" with a word emphasizing the surprise and dismay caused by the event.

it was frightening

Substitutes "horrifying" with a term that specifically denotes causing fear.

it was traumatic

Replaces "horrifying" with a term emphasizing the deeply distressing and long-lasting impact of the event.

it was sickening

Substitutes "horrifying" with a term emphasizing the disgust and revulsion caused by the event.

it was nightmarish

Replaces "horrifying" with a term describing the surreal and disturbing quality of a bad dream.

it was petrifying

Substitutes "horrifying" with a term that denotes causing extreme fear and paralysis.

FAQs

How can I use "it was horrifying" in a sentence?

You can use "it was horrifying" to describe events that caused intense fear, shock, or disgust. For example, "It was horrifying to witness the aftermath of the accident."

What can I say instead of "it was horrifying"?

You can use alternatives like "it was terrifying", "it was appalling", or "it was shocking" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was horrifying" too strong for everyday use?

Yes, "it was horrifying" is a strong phrase best reserved for describing genuinely disturbing or shocking events. Using it for minor inconveniences can dilute its impact and sound exaggerated.

What's the difference between "it was horrifying" and "it was scary"?

"It was horrifying" suggests a deeper level of shock, disgust, or moral outrage, whereas "it was scary" primarily focuses on fear.