terrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes fear or dread. Example: "The movie was so terrifying that I couldn't sleep afterward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aside from terrifying little Isla, the other children seemed content enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rooms look a bit like stone thatched wigwams, some with private terraces, but it's the drama of the cliff-edge dotted with diving platforms that holds everyone's attention, alternately tempting and terrifying.

The Guardian - Travel

They are incredibly melancholy, with a strong emotional core, while remaining absolutely terrifying.

The Guardian - Film

But when such conditions occur, the hallucinations can be both striking and terrifying.

The Guardian

We'd laugh about it later, but at the time it was terrifying, partly because it was vaguely familiar.

The Guardian - Opinion

The campaign states that "by contributing to this Rescue Fund you will help me [the initiator of the fund] to save more gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people from Africa escape terrifying persecution".

The Guardian

Come on - it's all there, and all terrifying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The stereotype has subsequently been mined by numerous low-budget films, and lately fuelled by a series of terrifying YouTube clips of ghoulish clown "pranks" in underground carparks and on deserted roads.

The Guardian

For me, the only fun to be had during a World Cup usually comes from watching Fifa get to act like a terrifying cross between Galactus – the intangible planet-sapping Marvel comic entity – and the spivvy-looking one from Dad's Army (Private Walker, now you ask).

The Guardian - Opinion

But it won't be for the fainthearted – at least not until passengers have learnt to entirely trust their automated pilots: For the idea to work, it would require roads to be mostly full of autonomous cars, says project leader Professor Peter Stone – and then it wouldn't seem so terrifying.

The Guardian - Tech

Amazon Prime This vaguely terrifying obs-doc profiles the work of pilots on Susi Air, which operates routes that most airlines would never dare to fly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrifying" to convey a sense of extreme fear and dread. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the word.

Common error

Avoid using "terrifying" to describe situations that are merely unpleasant or slightly scary. Reserve it for truly frightening scenarios to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "terrifying" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that causes great fear or dread. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where "terrifying" is used to depict scenarios, experiences, or concepts that evoke intense fear.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrifying" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective that describes something causing intense fear. Ludwig AI indicates its primary use is within news and media contexts. To enhance your writing, use "terrifying" to describe genuinely frightening situations. Ensure it aligns with the intensity of the context and avoid overusing it in mildly scary or unpleasant scenarios. If you're seeking alternative words, consider "frightening", "scary", or "horrifying" to ensure the precise nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightening

A direct synonym, implying something that causes fear.

scary

A more informal synonym for frightening.

alarming

Suggests a sense of danger or worry.

horrifying

Indicates something that causes intense shock and disgust.

daunting

Implies something that discourages or intimidates.

intimidating

Focuses on the effect of making someone feel afraid or threatened.

appalling

Suggests something that is deeply shocking and unacceptable.

disturbing

Implies something that causes anxiety or unease.

ominous

Suggests that something bad is going to happen.

menacing

Implies a threat or potential danger.

FAQs

How to use "terrifying" in a sentence?

You can use "terrifying" to describe something that causes intense fear or dread, such as "The movie was absolutely terrifying" or "The thought of public speaking is terrifying to me".

What can I say instead of "terrifying"?

You can use alternatives like "frightening", "scary", or "horrifying", depending on the intensity of the fear you want to convey.

Which is correct, "terrifying" or "terrible"?

"Terrifying" describes something that causes fear, while "terrible" describes something that is very bad or unpleasant. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "terrifying" and "frightening"?

While both words describe something that causes fear, "terrifying" implies a greater degree of fear than "frightening". "Terrifying" suggests intense dread and alarm, while "frightening" can describe something that is simply scary.