scared stiff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scared stiff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that someone is feeling a very intense fear or anxiety. For example, "The child was scared stiff by the loud noise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was scared stiff.

Independent

Peter looks scared stiff.

The Guardian - Business

I'm scared stiff".

The New York Times

She's scared stiff of you".

The New Yorker

I remember being scared stiff.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was scared stiff," admitted White.

The Guardian

Actual translation: O.K., O.K., we're scared stiff.

The New York Times

I think she's scared stiff of us.

The Guardian

"I was really scared stiff," Koecher said.

The Guardian

I've been scared stiff many a time.

The Guardian - Books

I'm not scared stiff, I'll be anything but scared.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scared stiff" to add emphasis when describing someone's intense fear or apprehension in a narrative or descriptive context. It's particularly effective when illustrating a character's reaction to a sudden or unexpected event.

Common error

Avoid using "scared stiff" too frequently, as it can lose its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions of fear by using synonyms or more nuanced expressions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scared stiff" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of intense fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and effective way to express strong apprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scared stiff" is a grammatically correct and very common idiom used to describe a state of extreme fear. As Ludwig AI points out, its primary function is to emphasize the intensity of someone's fright, and is commonly seen in news and media. While there are many alternatives such as "terrified" or "petrified", "scared stiff" maintains a balance between informality and descriptive power, making it a useful addition to any writer's vocabulary. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overuse and consider the specific context to ensure the most impactful and engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scared to death

Hyperbolic expression of fear.

terrified

Single word for intense fear.

frightened

Single word expressing state of alarm or fear.

scared out of my wits

Idiomatic phrase indicating extreme fright.

scared witless

Idiomatic phrase, implying a loss of reason due to fear.

petrified

Single word expressing extreme fear.

paralyzed with fear

Emphasizes the immobilizing effect of fear.

frozen with fear

Highlights the inability to move due to fear.

in a state of panic

Focuses on the chaotic mental state caused by fear.

trembling with fear

Describes the physical manifestation of fear.

FAQs

How can I use "scared stiff" in a sentence?

You can use "scared stiff" to describe someone's extreme fear, such as "I was "scared stiff" when I heard the unexpected noise at night".

What are some alternatives to saying "scared stiff"?

Alternatives include "petrified", "terrified", "scared to death", or "frightened". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "scared stiff" or is there a better alternative?

"Scared stiff" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used idiom. There aren't necessarily "better" alternatives, but options like "terrified" or "petrified" might be more appropriate in formal contexts.

What does "scared stiff" mean?

"Scared stiff" means extremely frightened. It describes a state where fear is so intense that it can feel paralyzing or immobilizing.