something frightful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something frightful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object, event, or situation that causes fear or dread. Example: "As they ventured deeper into the forest, they stumbled upon something frightful that made them reconsider their journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I'm running from something frightful that I can't run away from … I stepped out into the hallway, hoping to leave behind that which was tormenting me.

The New Yorker

"Oh, look at that," you say: Gerald Monroe going into a Carmen Miranda routine, or Marilynn-Ann Evercreech doing something frightful.

The New Yorker

Yet a monumental rendition of the "boy's suffering" interlude, together with Paul Silverthorne's impassioned viola solo, implied that Grimes was guilty of something frightful, if not Mrs. Sedley's "murder most foul".

The New Yorker

Her face, which was red and spotted, was rendered something frightful by her negligent dress, and the foot affected was tied up with a poultice and some nasty bandages.

Wikipedia

The noise of the machines was described by one worker as "something frightful and infernal," and although the rooms were hot, windows were often kept closed during the summer so that conditions for thread work remained optimal.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This was a not very oblique reference to the very real apprehension that this year something truly frightful might happen in Hollister.

The New Yorker

How could a continent be brought together by something as frightful as, say, the 1976 winner Save Your Kisses for Me, even though it was sung by a band with the global-group-hug-of-an- admittedly-sexist -name Brotherhood of Man?

The Guardian - Music

Something could be a frightful bore even if the alternative was worse.

The New York Times - Books

The shape of Posey's life was clear to me from the first, but her frightful old father developed from something of a footnote to a more important role.

The New Yorker

Fright wigs, frightening women and frightful acting.

The New York Times

They can do something, of course, and they do, but it is frightful to watch that only a few can survive the day to day while dozens of human lives are ruined.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something frightful" when you want to describe something that evokes fear or a sense of dread, without necessarily specifying the exact source of the fear. It's useful when the nature of the thing itself is unclear or undefined, but its effect is palpable.

Common error

Avoid using "something frightful" too frequently, especially in casual contexts. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic or forced. Opt for more specific and nuanced descriptions when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something frightful" functions as a noun phrase, where "something" acts as a pronoun referring to an unspecified entity, and "frightful" is an adjective modifying it. It identifies an unspecified object or situation characterized by its capacity to induce fright. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something frightful" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, albeit somewhat rare in contemporary writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of unease or dread stemming from an unspecified source. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase bridges formality, and its usage effectively evokes suspense without resorting to overly dramatic language. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "something terrifying" or "something alarming" to fine-tune the level of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something terrifying

Focuses more intensely on the fear-inducing aspect.

something alarming

Emphasizes the unsettling or disturbing nature of the thing.

something dreadful

Highlights the unpleasant and serious nature of the thing.

something horrifying

Emphasizes the shocking and appalling nature of the thing.

something awful

A more general term for something very bad or unpleasant.

something terrible

Similar to "awful", but can also imply great size or intensity.

something gruesome

Highlights the repulsiveness, often related to violence or injury.

something sinister

Implies an underlying evil or malicious intent.

something ominous

Suggests that something bad is going to happen in the future.

something ghastly

Refers to something shocking and unpleasant, often related to death or illness.

FAQs

How can I use "something frightful" in a sentence?

You can use "something frightful" to describe a situation, object, or event that causes fear or dread. For example: "As they ventured deeper into the forest, they stumbled upon "something frightful" that made them reconsider their journey."

What are some alternatives to "something frightful"?

You can use alternatives like "something terrifying", "something alarming", or "something dreadful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "something frightful" a formal or informal expression?

"Something frightful" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be more common in narrative or descriptive writing where a sense of drama or suspense is desired. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

What's the difference between "something frightful" and "something scary"?

"Something frightful" often suggests a deeper sense of dread or unease, while "something scary" typically refers to a more immediate or superficial fear. "Frightful" implies a more profound and unsettling experience.