it was really unnerving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really unnerving" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or experience that caused feelings of anxiety or discomfort. Example: "As the horror movie progressed, it was really unnerving to see the characters make such poor decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was really unnerving.

The New York Times

It was really unnerving," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is really unnerving".

The New York Times

Sotherton 38, said the burglary was "really unnerving".

BBC

Such a response, especially in lieu of laughter, is really unnerving.

The Guardian - Opinion

Knowing someone has been in your house uninvited while you are asleep upstairs is really unnerving".

BBC

If you've never seen native 48, 50, or 60fps media, it's worth noting that it's actually unnerving, and you really can't say why.

TechCrunch

It was really, really, difficult.

Ageing and Society

Though this can unnerve some owners, it's really quite simple and will help your dog be the best he possibly can.

WikiHow

"The election of a black president, and the realization that the demography is what it is has really unnerved older white people, and they can't wrap their heads around the changes," Massey said.

Los Angeles Times

Danny's presence is still really unnerving.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing personal experiences or reactions, use "it was really unnerving" to convey a sense of discomfort or anxiety caused by a specific event or situation.

Common error

While "it was really unnerving" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary like "disconcerting" or "troubling" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really unnerving" functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective experience of unease or anxiety. Ludwig AI shows the phrase in contexts where someone is describing something that made them feel uncomfortable or disturbed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was really unnerving" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a feeling of discomfort or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms that it appears frequently in news and media, reflecting personal reactions to disturbing events. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone. Related phrases include "it was quite unsettling" and "it was deeply disturbing", offering varied ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was quite unsettling

Replaces "really unnerving" with "quite unsettling" for a slightly milder effect.

it was deeply disturbing

Emphasizes the negative impact of the experience using "deeply disturbing".

it was incredibly unsettling

Intensifies the feeling of unease through the adverb "incredibly".

it was profoundly disturbing

Uses "profoundly disturbing" to highlight the significant emotional impact.

it was genuinely alarming

Focuses on the alarming nature of the situation using "genuinely alarming".

it was truly disquieting

Replaces "unnerving" with "disquieting" for a more formal tone.

it was intensely unsettling

Highlights the intensity of the feeling with "intensely unsettling".

it was exceedingly disturbing

Uses "exceedingly disturbing" for a more emphatic expression of unease.

it was remarkably unsettling

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the disturbance with "remarkably unsettling".

it was strangely disturbing

Highlights the peculiar nature of the disturbance with "strangely disturbing".

FAQs

What does "it was really unnerving" mean?

The phrase "it was really unnerving" means that something caused a feeling of anxiety, discomfort, or unease. It suggests that the experience was disturbing or unsettling.

How can I use "it was really unnerving" in a sentence?

You can use "it was really unnerving" to describe a situation or event that made you feel uneasy. For example, "As the horror movie progressed, "it was really unnerving" to see the characters make such poor decisions."

What can I say instead of "it was really unnerving"?

You can use alternatives like "it was quite unsettling", "it was deeply disturbing", or "it was incredibly unsettling" depending on the context.

Is "it was really unnerving" too informal for professional writing?

While "it was really unnerving" is understandable, it may be perceived as informal in professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "it was truly disquieting" or "it was profoundly disturbing" for a more polished tone.