scary

USAGE SUMMARY

"scary" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that causes fear or anxiety. For example, "The thunderstorm outside was quite scary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was very scary.

The New York Times

It was quite scary.

The Guardian

Related: Jeremy Hunt and the Tories: a scary prospect for Britain's mental health The plan for those with common mental health conditions such as depression to see a therapist within 18 weeks, and for people having their first episode of psychosis to get help within two weeks, came into force on 1 April.

The Guardian

I have had thousands of lifts and scary ones were very few.

The Guardian - Opinion

Motorbikes weave between the large mining trucks and NGO vehicles, as locals make their way to the huge market; the airstrip is in the middle of the town, making for some scary landings.

The Guardian

For parents of older children, the consequences are just as scary.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of those named in the injunction is Elliott Dean, 19, who had never been involved in activism before and told the Guardian how "scary" it had been to receive the letter.

The Guardian

Stephen King declared the book to be "scary as hell and hypnotic", but it's the authentic voices of teenagers that Beukes does best.

The Guardian - Books

Most of us desperately want to believe in life after death – and the idea of ghosts, however scary, seems to offer support for such a notion.

The Guardian - Opinion

You think: 'When am I ever going to be anywhere near these girls?' So it's scary and it's really hard to be in that position.

The Guardian - Sport

I want people to know how funny you are.' But it's scary.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an experience, use "scary" to directly convey the feeling of fear or apprehension it evoked.

Common error

While "scary" is widely understood, it may be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "alarming" or "frightening" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "scary" functions primarily to describe something that causes fear or anxiety. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from describing movies to real-life situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "scary" is a common and grammatically correct adjective used to describe something that induces fear or anxiety. As shown in Ludwig's examples, its use spans across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, "scary" might be considered informal in certain academic or professional settings, where alternatives like "frightening" or "alarming" might be more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a valid and widely used term in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightening

Focuses on the act of causing fright.

terrifying

Implies a higher degree of fear and dread.

alarming

Suggests a sudden awareness of danger or threat.

chilling

Emphasizes the feeling of coldness and fear.

intimidating

Highlights the feeling of being daunted or threatened.

spooky

Often associated with the supernatural or ghostly.

eerie

Suggests a strange and unsettling atmosphere.

horrifying

Implies extreme shock and disgust, in addition to fear.

unnerving

Focuses on the feeling of losing composure or confidence.

apprehensive

Indicates anxiety or fear about the future.

FAQs

How can I use "scary" in a sentence?

You can use "scary" to describe something that causes fear. For example, "The movie was really scary" or "The situation seemed quite scary to me."

What are some alternatives to "scary"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "frightening", "terrifying", "alarming", or "intimidating".

Is "scary" appropriate for formal writing?

While "scary" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using words like "frightening" or "alarming".

What makes something "scary"?

Something is "scary" when it causes fear, anxiety, or apprehension. This could be due to a perceived threat, uncertainty, or a sense of danger.