scarier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarier" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a comparative form of the adjective "scary," to describe something that induces more fear than another thing. Example: "The sequel to the horror movie was even scarier than the original."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Had he done so, he might have concluded that even scarier are the words: "We are from Ofsted.

The Guardian

It's maybe even scarier when heterosexual men do it than when men like Alexander, Gray or I go against gender rules – but all of us are starting to reimagine what being a man actually means.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even scarier for investment bankers are three probes into accusations of wrongdoing in the underwriting process, along with a host of class-action lawsuits on behalf of suffering investors.

The Economist

To make them look scarier, they can be illuminated with erratic flashes of light.

The Economist

By then, repeal may strike voters as scarier than the new law itself.

The Economist

Even so, this summit matters, because of something even scarier than the circus in The Hague: the prospect of climate change itself.For years, there have been legitimate doubts about the seriousness of global warming, and especially about man's role in it.

The Economist

But what is certain is that, in a matter of weeks, Italy has become not just a more unsettled place, but a darker and scarier one.

The Economist

Imagine how much scarier a flight could be for those folks if they knew there was no one at the yoke, or that the person flying the plane was in a warehouse in Nevada.

The Economist

Women trying to make a living by smuggling refugees across the border with China are shot if they do not know the right people to bribe.In some ways the North is even scarier under its new ruler than it was under his father, who died in 2011.

The Economist

Graham Allen, a former Labour whip who also disliked the white paper, thinks the scarier parts have now been removed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Quotas may be scary," Ms Barber told the room, "but not having equality when I'm 80 and you're all dead is even scarier".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing levels of fear, ensure the objects of comparison are clearly defined. For example, "The sequel was "scarier" than the original."

Common error

Avoid using "scarier" without a clear point of reference. Saying "That's scarier" lacks context. Instead, specify what it's scarier than.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scarier" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a greater degree of scariness than something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarier" is the comparative form of "scary", used to indicate a greater degree of fear. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. When using "scarier", ensure there's a clear point of comparison. Alternatives include "more frightening", "more terrifying", and "more chilling". Remember, while "scarier" is widely acceptable, context is important; always make sure your comparison is clear and specific.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more frightening

Emphasizes the increase in fright-inducing quality, similar to "scarier".

more petrifying

Highlights the increase in the ability to cause someone to become paralyzed with fear, indicating extreme fear.

more terrifying

Highlights a greater level of terror, intensifying the feeling of fear beyond "scarier".

more spine-chilling

Emphasizes a greater sensation of fear running down the spine, providing a more dramatic expression than "scarier".

more horrifying

Stresses the increase in causing horror, emphasizing the shocking and disturbing nature of the fear.

more hair-raising

Focuses on the increase in causing extreme fear or excitement, offering a vivid depiction of fear.

more chilling

Stresses the increase in a cold, fearful sensation, offering a more evocative description of fear than "scarier".

more alarming

Focuses on the increase in causing alarm or concern, shifting the emphasis from fear to worry.

more unsettling

Indicates a greater disturbance or unease, lessening the direct emphasis on fear compared to "scarier".

more intimidating

Highlights the increase in the ability to daunt or overawe, focusing on the power dynamic of fear rather than the emotion itself.

FAQs

How do you use "scarier" in a sentence?

"Scarier" is used to compare two things and indicate which one evokes more fear. For example, "The clown was much "scarier" than the monster."

What's a synonym for "scarier"?

Synonyms for "scarier" include "more frightening", "more terrifying", or "more chilling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "scary" or "scarier"?

"Scary" is the base adjective. "Scarier" is the comparative form, used when comparing two things. Use "scary" to describe something frightening in general, and "scarier" to indicate that one thing is more frightening than another.

What can I say instead of "scarier" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "more alarming" or "more intimidating", which can convey a sense of heightened fear or concern in a professional manner.