nerve-racking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nerve-racking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that causes a lot of stress or anxiety. Example: "The final exam was nerve-racking, and I could hardly concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He called it "nerve-racking".

The New York Times

Still, he said, "it's nerve-racking.

The New Yorker

I found the process nerve-racking.

The New York Times

So it's exciting — and nerve-racking.

The New York Times

It's a little nerve-racking.

Huffington Post

That's very nerve-racking".

The New York Times

It's nerve-racking!

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It was totally nerve racking," she said.

The New York Times

First dates are totally nerve racking.

Huffington Post

It's incredibly nerve racking to watch.

Huffington Post

This part is nerve racking.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nerve-racking" to vividly describe situations that cause significant anxiety or tension. It's particularly effective when you want to convey a strong emotional impact on someone.

Common error

While "nerve-racking" is widely understood, consider using more casual alternatives like "stressful" or "intense" in very informal conversations to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nerve-racking" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe experiences, situations, or events that induce significant anxiety or stress. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nerve-racking" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase to describe situations causing stress and anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples show its wide application in News & Media. While generally appropriate, writers should consider their audience and context, opting for simpler terms like "stressful" in very informal settings. The analysis underscores its function as an adjective conveying subjective feelings, with related terms like "stressful", "anxiety-inducing", and "tense" offering nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stressful

Focuses more on the causing of stress rather than the direct effect on the nerves.

anxiety-inducing

Specifically highlights the creation of anxiety.

tense

Implies a state of heightened anticipation or unease.

unnerving

Suggests a loss of composure or confidence.

harrowing

Emphasizes the distressing or painful nature of the experience.

trying

Focuses on the demanding or testing aspect of the situation.

challenging

Highlights the difficulty and the need for effort.

difficult

A more general term for something not easily accomplished or dealt with.

daunting

Emphasizes the intimidating or discouraging aspect of the task.

intimidating

Focuses on the feeling of being threatened or made fearful.

FAQs

How can I use "nerve-racking" in a sentence?

"Nerve-racking" is typically used to describe situations or events that cause anxiety or stress. For example, "The job interview was incredibly nerve-racking." or "Waiting for the test results was a nerve-racking experience."

What are some synonyms for "nerve-racking"?

Alternatives to "nerve-racking" include "stressful", "anxiety-inducing", "tense", and "unnerving depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is "nerve-racking" the same as "nerve-wracking"?

Yes, "nerve-racking" and "nerve-wracking" are interchangeable. Both mean intensely irritating or distressing to the nerves.

When is it appropriate to use "nerve-racking" in writing?

"Nerve-racking" is suitable for describing situations that cause significant stress or anxiety. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, consider the audience and choose synonyms like "stressful" for casual settings where a simpler term is preferred.