looks scary

USAGE SUMMARY

"looks scary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing something that appears to be frightening. For example, "The dark hallway looks scary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"That looks scary.

The New York Times

Alexander says it looks scary.

The New Yorker

Other women see this and realise it looks scary and risky to behave like them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She looks scary in clown makeup, and has been tipped for – and played – high-profile male roles before.

The Guardian - Film

It looks scary but in reality I'm swept along, bouncing from wave to wave, having great fun.

The Guardian - Travel

"Looks scary, doesn't it?" Ruslan Aliyev, a Russian military analyst, noted sarcastically of photographs of the repair boat, a rusty relic made in Poland in 1969.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"You've lost some protection, but it probably looks scarier than it is".

The New York Times

So the future looks scarier than it did just a couple of years ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

They look scary.

The Guardian - Arts

God, you look scary.

The Guardian - Music

"Mom, Andreww said, "you look scary".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks scary" when describing something whose appearance evokes a sense of fear, apprehension, or intimidation. It's suitable for both literal and figurative scenarios.

Common error

While "looks scary" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your tone seem less sophisticated. In such cases, consider more precise alternatives like "appears menacing" or "presents a formidable challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks scary" functions as a descriptive expression, characterizing something based on its visual appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammatical rules and is widely accepted. It uses "looks" as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "scary."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Travel

4%

Less common in

Film

4%

Sports

3%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks scary" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that appears frightening or intimidating. As noted by Ludwig AI, it adheres to standard English grammar. Its usage spans various contexts, predominantly within news and media, while also appearing in travel, film, and sports publications. While generally neutral in register, it may be prudent to employ more formal alternatives in academic or professional contexts. Remember to use "looks scary" when the appearance directly evokes fear, and avoid overuse in highly formal writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears frightening

Replaces "looks" with "appears" and "scary" with "frightening", emphasizing the visual impression of fear.

seems intimidating

Shifts the focus to the feeling of intimidation rather than pure fear, suggesting a sense of being daunted or threatened.

gives a frightening impression

Highlights the impression created, emphasizing the impact on the observer.

presents a terrifying image

Focuses on a visual image and uses a stronger word, "terrifying", to amplify the fear.

exudes a chilling aura

Describes the atmosphere and feeling created by something, implying a cold and unsettling presence.

projects an alarming presence

Emphasizes the projected sense of alarm, indicating a cause for concern.

has a menacing aspect

Focuses on the visual aspect being menacing, suggesting a threat or danger.

is a chilling sight

Describes the visual experience as producing a feeling of cold dread or fear.

is visually alarming

Specifically points out that something alarms because of the way it appears.

inspires dread

Moves away from the purely visual aspect to focus on the feeling of dread that something provokes.

FAQs

What does "looks scary" mean?

"Looks scary" means that something has an appearance that causes fear or apprehension. It describes the visual impression of something that seems frightening or dangerous.

What can I say instead of "looks scary"?

You can use alternatives like "appears frightening", "seems intimidating", or "gives a frightening impression" depending on the context.

Is "looks scary" formal or informal?

"Looks scary" is generally considered informal. While understandable in most contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

How do I use "looks scary" in a sentence?

You can use "looks scary" to describe something that appears frightening. For example, "That abandoned house "looks scary"" or "The economic forecast "looks scary"."