more terrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

'more terrifying' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is exceptionally frightening or frightening in a greater degree than something else. For example, "The thunderstorm outside was more terrifying than anything I had experienced before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

With every minute that passes, the situation gets more terrifying.

Independent

Then the British Book Awards, even more terrifying.

The Guardian - Books

It was difficult to imagine anything more terrifying.

The Guardian - Books

Her voice dripped honey, which made her even more terrifying.

The New Yorker

The reality turns out to be even more terrifying.

The Guardian - Film

The truth, however, is much stranger and far more terrifying.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The more I talked, the more terrified the men looked.

The Guardian - Opinion

That oxymoron, western civilisation, is more terrified of the other than ever.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm more terrified of high-tech electronic gadgets today than a year ago...

The New York Times

Was anyone else out there more terrified by the second round of giving birth than by the first?

The New York Times

Since late 2004, they had killed 16 Israeli civilians and injured many more, terrified thousands of them, and disrupted the economy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for dramatic effect, consider replacing "more terrifying" with a more visceral synonym like "petrifying" or "spine-chilling" to intensify the emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "more terrifying" in situations that are only mildly unsettling. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more terrifying" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something as being scarier than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, showing numerous examples of its application in diverse written contexts.

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 "more terrifying" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative adjective phrase used to convey a heightened sense of fear or dread when contrasting two subjects. Predominantly found in the realm of News & Media, as demonstrated by Ludwig, it effectively communicates a stronger intensity of fear than other alternatives, such as "scarier". When using "more terrifying", it's essential to avoid exaggeration and consider stronger synonyms like "petrifying" for greater dramatic impact. Understanding its usage and common errors ensures clarity and effectiveness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even more frightening

Replaces "terrifying" with "frightening", maintaining similar intensity and formal tone.

much more petrifying

Replaces "terrifying" with "petrifying", increasing the intensity and suggesting paralysis due to fear.

scarier

This is a direct comparative adjective, expressing a lower degree of semantic intensity compared to "more terrifying".

markedly more chilling

Replaces "terrifying" with "chilling", which suggests a subtle but pervasive sense of fear.

far more dreadful

Substitutes "terrifying" with "dreadful", increasing the formality and intensity of the expression.

increasingly horrifying

Replaces "terrifying" with "horrifying", suggesting a gradual increase in the level of fear.

noticeably more spine-chilling

Employs a more descriptive and evocative term ("spine-chilling") for a vivid expression of fear.

considerably more alarming

Uses "alarming" instead of "terrifying", shifting the focus to concern and apprehension rather than outright fear.

distinctly more unnerving

Substitutes "terrifying" with "unnerving", emphasizing the unsettling and disturbing nature of the subject.

substantially more daunting

Shifts the focus from fear to intimidation and challenge, using "daunting" instead of "terrifying".

FAQs

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

You can use "more terrifying" to compare two frightening things, indicating that one is scarier than the other. For example, "The thought of public speaking was "more terrifying" than facing a wild animal".

What are some alternatives to "more terrifying"?

Alternatives include "scarier", "even more frightening", or "far more dreadful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more terrifying"?

Yes, "more terrifying" is grammatically correct. It's the comparative form of the adjective "terrifying", indicating a greater degree of fear.

When should I use "more terrifying" versus "most terrifying"?

"More terrifying" is used when comparing two things, while "most terrifying" is used to describe something that is the absolute scariest among a group. For example, "This movie is "more terrifying" than the last one, but the scariest movie ever is the Exorcist".