scared to the bone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scared to the bone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as an idiom to describe feeling very afraid or terrified. Example sentence: I was so scared, I was shaking to the bone after watching the horror movie.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The truth is I'm scared to see the film".

The New Yorker

I was scared, to say the least.

The New York Times

Honest folk were scared to walk to the shops.

The Economist

People were scared to go to the supermarket.

The New Yorker

"I was scared to go to the kosher supermarket.

BBC

"I'm too scared to go to the police.

Forbes

The narrator was too scared to move.

The New Yorker

I wasn't going to accept the results; I was scared to hear.

American Journal of Public Health

"Girls are scared to be overly ambitious because they're scared of the potential backlash".

The New York Times

I was scared to death [Edward].

BMC Health Services Research

So, he is scared to hit me".

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "scared to the bone" to vividly convey intense fear, especially when emphasizing the physical or emotional impact of a terrifying experience. For example: "The chilling tale left her scared to the bone."

Common error

While effective in descriptive writing, "scared to the bone" might be too informal for academic or professional reports. Opt for more neutral language like "extremely fearful" or "deeply frightened" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scared to the bone" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of extreme fear. As suggested by Ludwig AI, it's used to vividly convey a feeling of intense terror.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scared to the bone" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme fear. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, particularly in descriptive contexts. While there's limited examples found, it's still recognized and understood across various sources. When choosing alternative expressions, consider options like "absolutely terrified" or "petrified", keeping in mind the level of formality required for your writing. Use "scared to the bone" when you want to emphasize the profound impact of fear, but be mindful of the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely terrified

Emphasizes the extreme level of fear experienced.

petrified

Implies a state of being so scared that one is unable to move or act.

scared stiff

Suggests a similar level of fear-induced immobility.

scared out of one's wits

Highlights the loss of mental composure due to extreme fear.

frightened to death

Emphasizes the life-threatening intensity of fear.

chilled to the marrow

Focuses on the physical sensation of coldness resulting from fear.

deeply frightened

Implies a profound and impactful level of fear.

trembling with fear

Describes the physical manifestation of fear through shaking.

in a state of terror

Highlights the overwhelming and consuming nature of fear.

panic-stricken

Indicates a sudden and intense onset of fear leading to panic.

FAQs

How can I use "scared to the bone" in a sentence?

You can use "scared to the bone" to describe a state of extreme fear. For instance, "After watching the horror movie, I was "scared to the bone"."

What's a less common alternative to "scared to the bone"?

Alternatives like "chilled to the marrow" or "frightened to death" are less frequently used but convey a similar intensity of fear.

Is "scared to the bone" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "scared to the bone" is more suited for descriptive or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "extremely fearful" or "deeply frightened".

What does "scared to the bone" emphasize compared to simply "scared"?

"Scared to the bone" amplifies the feeling of fear, suggesting it penetrates deeply, affecting one's core. It is more impactful than just saying "scared", which is a general term for fear.