more scary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more scary" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to compare two things that are both scary, but one is scarier than the other. For example: "The haunted house was scary, but the old abandoned asylum was even more scary." In this sentence, the haunted house is already scary, but the old abandoned asylum is even scarier. The phrase "more scary" is used to indicate the higher level of fear in the asylum compared to the haunted house.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And far more scary.

The New York Times

6: More scary monsters.

The Guardian

There are more scary stories.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was more scary than anything else.

The Guardian - Sport

Far more scary than the burkini.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's getting more and more scary.

The New York Times

Arm-wrestling polar bears couldn't be more scary.

The Guardian - Sport

Far more scary – terrifying, actually – were the hand-mines.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The situation "is getting more and more scary," Nyenswah said.

The Guardian

I liked the mystery; it was more scary and sexy".

The Guardian - Music

"But we didn't pick any more scary ones".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two frightening situations or entities, use "more scary" to clearly indicate the one that elicits a greater sense of fear. For example, "The sequel was "more scary" than the original movie because of the suspenseful plot and jump scares."

Common error

Avoid using "very more scary". The word "very" is redundant because "more" already implies a greater degree. Instead, stick with "more scary" or, for added emphasis, use "much more scary".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more scary" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a higher degree of the quality of being scary than something else. Ludwig provides many examples to support this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more scary" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase to express a higher degree of fear. While "scarier" is the more standard comparative form, "more scary" offers a valid alternative, sometimes adding emphasis. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and scientific sources, maintaining a generally neutral tone. To use "more scary" effectively, ensure that the comparison is clear and avoid redundancy. As many examples in Ludwig confirm, this phrase conveys the sense of something provoking a higher degree of fear and fright.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarier

This is the simple comparative form of "scary", directly interchangeable with "more scary".

even more scary

Emphasizes the heightened degree of fear compared to something already considered scary.

far more scary

Stresses a significant difference in scariness, indicating a much greater level of fear.

considerably scarier

Highlights the significant difference in scariness.

more frightening

Uses "frightening" instead of "scary", offering a slightly different tone, but retaining the comparative meaning.

more terrifying

Indicates a greater level of fear than "more scary", suggesting extreme fright.

more alarming

Focuses on the causing of alarm rather than just fear, implying a sense of immediate danger.

more horrifying

Suggests a higher degree of shock and disgust, in addition to fear.

more dreadful

Implies a sense of impending doom or misfortune, adding a layer of foreboding to the fear.

increasingly scary

Highlights the escalating nature of the fear, suggesting it's growing over time.

FAQs

How can I use "more scary" in a sentence?

You can use "more scary" when comparing two things that evoke fear, where one elicits a greater sense of fear than the other. For example, "The abandoned house was scary, but the sounds inside made it "even more scary"".

What is a synonym for "more scary"?

Synonyms for "more scary" include "scarier", "more frightening", or "more terrifying". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more scary"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. While "scarier" is a more concise option, "more scary" is perfectly acceptable, especially when you want to emphasize the "scary" aspect.

What is the difference between "more scary" and "scarier"?

Both "more scary" and "scarier" are used to indicate a greater degree of fear. "Scarier" is the standard comparative form, while "more scary" can sometimes add emphasis, though it's often perceived as slightly less formal.