scares off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scares off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of causing someone or something to leave or avoid a situation due to fear or intimidation. Example: "The loud noise from the construction site scares off the birds that usually nest in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The disease also scares off tourists and foreign investors.

The New York Times - Health

This usually scares off assailants (or sends them in search of easier prey).

The Economist

She scares off one prospect by telling him she hasn't had sex in four-and-a-half years.

The New York Times - Books

The left sometimes focuses on "gun control," which scares off gun owners and leads to more gun sales.

The New York Times

The Carlton used to advertise its armed escorts for guests going shopping, but management now thinks that scares off customers.

The New York Times - Travel

It scares off, or at least crowds out, competitors, particularly when it comes to drawing media attention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Not scared off?

The New York Times - Arts

That scared off new buyers.

The New York Times

Her age scared off employers.

The New York Times

Would adults be scared off?

The New York Times

They are not easily scared off".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In marketing content, use "scares off" when you want to communicate the idea of deterring potential clients using something. E.g.: "High prices might scare off new customers"

Common error

Avoid using "scares off" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scares off" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, requiring an object. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct. It describes the action of causing someone or something to retreat or avoid due to fear or intimidation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "scares off" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe the act of deterring someone or something through fear. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it's crucial to consider the formality of the situation and choose more sophisticated alternatives, such as "deters" or "discourages", in professional or academic settings. The phrase is versatile but requires careful consideration of audience and tone to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deters

Implies preventing action through fear or doubt.

discourages

Suggests reducing enthusiasm or confidence.

frightens away

Emphasizes causing fear that leads to avoidance.

wards off

Suggests preventing someone or something from approaching.

repels

Indicates causing aversion or disgust.

turns away

Implies causing someone to change direction or avoid.

keeps away

Suggests maintaining distance or preventing access.

puts off

Implies creating a negative impression or discouragement.

dissuades

Suggests convincing someone not to do something.

intimates

Implies indirectly hinting or suggesting something, often a threat.

FAQs

How can I use "scares off" in a sentence?

You can use "scares off" to describe something that deters or discourages someone or something due to fear. For example, "The loud noise from the construction site scares off the birds".

What are some alternatives to "scares off"?

You can use alternatives like "deters", "discourages", or "frightens away" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "scares off" in formal writing?

While "scares off" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "deters" or "discourages" in such situations.

What's the difference between "scares off" and "wards off"?

"Scares off" implies causing fear that leads to avoidance, while "wards off" suggests preventing something from approaching, not necessarily through fear.