kind of scary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'kind of scary' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to express something that is a little frightening or intimidating. For example, "The thought of being late for my meeting was kind of scary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But it's kind of scary.

The New York Times - Sports

It's kind of scary, though".

The New York Times

It was kind of scary.

The New York Times

That is kind of scary".

The New York Times

Yes, it's kind of scary.

The New York Times

Kind of scary, eh?

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Willis added, "Sounds kind of scary".

The New York Times - Food

It's violent and kind of scary.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's shocking and kind of scary".

The New York Times

It's kind of scary really".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's just kind of scary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kind of scary", consider the audience and context. It's suitable for informal settings but might need a more precise or formal synonym in professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of scary" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound monotonous and less impactful. Instead, vary your descriptions with more specific or evocative language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of scary" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that elicits a mild sense of fear or unease. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a common expression used to convey a degree of apprehension without being overly dramatic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of scary" is a common adjectival phrase used to express a mild sense of fear or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While it is suitable for informal communication, more precise language may be necessary for formal or academic settings. Alternatives such as "somewhat frightening" or "a bit unnerving" can provide similar meanings with varying degrees of formality and emotional intensity. Overusing "kind of scary" should be avoided to maintain engagement and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat frightening

Replaces "kind of scary" with more formal synonyms, indicating a slightly more elevated register.

a bit unnerving

Substitutes "scary" with "unnerving" and uses "a bit" instead of "kind of", softening the intensity.

slightly alarming

Replaces "scary" with "alarming", suggesting a concern that something might be dangerous.

mildly terrifying

Uses a stronger term, "terrifying", but tempers it with "mildly", creating a similar level of concern.

a little intimidating

Shifts the focus from fear to intimidation, implying a sense of being daunted or overawed.

rather unsettling

Employs "unsettling" to convey a feeling of unease, and "rather" to modify the intensity.

somewhat daunting

Changes the emotional tone, focusing on the aspect of feeling overwhelmed or challenged instead of fear.

a touch frightening

Uses "a touch" to soften the impact of "frightening", making it less intense than the original phrase.

slightly chilling

Replaces "scary" with "chilling", emphasizing a cold, unsettling feeling.

a shade spooky

Uses "spooky" to imply something is eerie or suggestive of the supernatural, with "a shade" softening the intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of scary" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of scary" to describe something that is slightly frightening or unsettling. For example, "The abandoned house on the hill was "kind of scary"".

What are some alternatives to "kind of scary"?

Alternatives include "somewhat frightening", "a bit unnerving", or "slightly alarming", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "kind of scary" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "kind of scary" is generally too informal for academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal language, such as "somewhat alarming" or "slightly unsettling", in academic contexts.

What's the difference between "kind of scary" and "very scary"?

"Kind of scary" implies a mild level of fear or unease, while "very scary" indicates a much stronger feeling of fear. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you want to express.