scary prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'scary prospect' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that you find intimidating or frightening. For example: Taking the SATs was a scary prospect for me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's a scary prospect.

The New York Times

He's a scary prospect.

The New Yorker

It's a scary prospect.

The New York Times

This is a scary prospect.

The New York Times - Style

That's a really scary prospect," he said.

The New York Times

It is a very scary prospect".

The New York Times

So what do we have to counter this scary prospect?

The New York Times

A parallel economy run by the mafia is a scary prospect for legitimate firms.

The Economist

But reducing nutrition programs available through the Older Americans Act is a scary prospect.

The New York Times

At least one worker was pricked, a scary prospect in this day and age.

The New York Times - Sports

"Still, it can be a scary prospect, that loss of control".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scary prospect", ensure the context clearly explains why the prospect is frightening. Provide specific details or potential consequences to enhance the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "scary prospect" as a general descriptor without providing context. Instead of saying, "The future is a scary prospect", specify what aspects of the future are causing concern. For example, "The potential for increased economic inequality is a scary prospect."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scary prospect" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "scary" modifies the noun "prospect". This combination creates a descriptor for a potential event or situation that is perceived as frightening or concerning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scary prospect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing worry or fear about a potential future event. As Ludwig AI states, it's considered correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, although being more specific about the nature of the fear is often beneficial. The phrase appears predominantly in news and media sources, with related phrases like "fearsome prospect" and "alarming possibility" offering alternative ways to convey similar sentiments. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage, writers can effectively utilize "scary prospect" to communicate concern and caution in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearsome prospect

Replaces "scary" with "fearsome", emphasizing the feeling of fear and dread.

alarming possibility

Substitutes "prospect" with "possibility", highlighting the potential for something concerning to happen.

dreadful outcome

Replaces "scary prospect" with a focus on the potentially negative result or consequence.

frightening scenario

Substitutes "prospect" with "scenario", emphasizing a hypothetical situation that causes fear.

unnerving idea

Replaces "scary" with "unnerving", conveying a sense of unease and anxiety.

intimidating situation

Shifts the focus to the situation being intimidating, rather than just a prospect.

daunting challenge

Changes the focus to the difficulty and potential for failure, making it feel overwhelming.

worrying development

Focuses on the unfolding nature of an event and the concerns it raises.

disturbing outlook

Highlights the unsettling nature of a potential future or situation.

grim forecast

Emphasizes the negative and pessimistic prediction for the future.

FAQs

How can I use "scary prospect" in a sentence?

You can use "scary prospect" to describe something that could potentially happen and that you find frightening or intimidating. For example, "The possibility of another economic recession is a "scary prospect"."

What can I say instead of "scary prospect"?

You can use alternatives like "fearsome prospect", "alarming possibility", or "dreadful outcome" depending on the context.

Is "scary prospect" formal or informal?

"Scary prospect" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal writing may benefit from stronger or more precise vocabulary.

What makes something a "scary prospect"?

A "scary prospect" is something that is likely to happen that causes fear, worry, or anxiety. This could be due to the potential for negative consequences or the uncertainty surrounding the situation.