scary with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scary with" is not standard in written English and may lead to confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to describe something that is frightening in conjunction with another element, but it is not commonly used. Example: "The haunted house was scary with its dark corners and eerie sounds."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"And he can look scary with his mouth open.

The New York Times

"It's actually quite creepy and scary with the water, the darkness and the shadows," she said.

The New York Times

News reports had sounded scary, with closings and layoffs and huge drops in business.

The New York Times - Food

She said she has not discussed the dreams, which are more mysterious than scary, with a therapist.

The New York Times

And that change is scary, with the threat to impose stiff tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports.

The Guardian

Now whenever I walk out the door it gets more scary with decision time another week closer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One female reporter said Trump's denunciations of journalists makes his rallies feel "scary," with an undercurrent of menace among his supporters.

Independent

She looked scary with her shoulders hunched over, growling about the press and vowing revenge against the people on her enemies list.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It gets scarier and scarier with spring coming," a mayor said.

The New Yorker

I imagine it's ten times scarier with an infant in tow.

Independent

My original Gruffalo was scarier, with smaller eyes and bigger teeth and claws.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scary with", ensure that the "with" clause clearly specifies the element contributing to the fear. For example, "The movie was scary with its unexpected jump scares" provides context for why it was frightening.

Common error

Avoid using "scary with" followed by a vague or unclear explanation. Saying "It's scary with things" lacks specific detail and weakens the sentence's impact. Instead, always clarify what exactly makes it scary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scary with" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing something as frightening in conjunction with another element. Ludwig examples illustrate how it connects a feeling of fear to specific attributes or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scary with" functions as an adjectival modifier used to describe something that evokes fear in conjunction with another element. While Ludwig AI finds the phrase's grammatical status acceptable, it is important to ensure the "with" clause clearly specifies what contributes to the fear. The phrase is common in news and media, and while its register is generally neutral, it is best used when you want to directly link the feeling of fear with a specific attribute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightening due to

Emphasizes the cause of the fear, replacing "with" to specify the reason.

terrifying because of

Similar to "frightening due to" but with a stronger intensity and causal link.

alarming in light of

More formal, suggesting concern or worry given certain circumstances.

intimidating considering

Focuses on the feeling of being daunted by something and is slightly more formal.

unnerving given

Highlights the disturbing or unsettling aspect of a situation.

menacing with

Focuses on a threat or potential danger associated with something.

ominous with

Implies a sense of foreboding related to something.

daunting because of

Highlights the challenging or overwhelming aspect of the cause.

horrifying with

Intensifies the sense of fear to emphasize terror.

scary due to the fact that

Emphasizes the reason behind the fear in a more verbose manner.

FAQs

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

Use "scary with" to describe something frightening in conjunction with another element, like "The clown was "scary with" his painted smile and menacing laugh".

What are some alternatives to "scary with"?

You can use alternatives like "frightening due to", "terrifying because of", or "alarming in light of" depending on the specific context.

Is "scary with" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "scary with" might not always be considered grammatically perfect. It's acceptable if the context clearly specifies what makes it scary. If you want to avoid doubts, consider using alternatives such as "frightening due to" or "terrifying because of".

When is it appropriate to use "scary with"?

It is appropriate to use "scary with" when you want to describe a scene or situation by indicating which elements make it frightening, like "The forest was "scary with" its twisted trees and eerie silence".