terrifying look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrifying look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that evokes fear or dread. Example: "When she turned around with a terrifying look, I knew I had to run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In 1986, the Iraqi dissident Kanan Makiya finished a book called "Republic of Fear," a brilliant, terrifying look inside Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

The New York Times - Books

For fans of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, like myself, Monday's episode of the Daily Show without Jon Stewart was a terrifying look into the future.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

BEN GOLDACRE'S "BAD PHARMA BOOK The latest book by Ben Goldacre, "Bad Pharma: How drug companies mislead doctors and harm patients" is an interesting yet terrifying look at how the pharmaceutical industry works, and the tricks and distortions used to ensure profits at the expense of patient safety.

The Guardian

The new film "Nightcrawler" is a terrifying look at contemporary media culture and the psychology it both reflects and amplifies.

Los Angeles Times

Watch the video above to see a clip from this timelessly terrifying look at vintage telephone manners.

Huffington Post

Last week, director David Ayer gave us a terrifying look at Jared Leto as The Joker in "Suicide Squad".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

At such times, when nature turns chaotic and terrifying, people look to their leaders, regardless of whether anything can be done.

The New York Times

Very funny, and more than a little terrifying, he looks like a cross between Nigel Farage and Dot Cotton.

The Guardian

The old ghost in Mario Bava's Black Sabbath is all the more terrifying for looking like a decrepit waxwork (and bears a faint resemblance to Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady), while the creepiest scene in Alejandro Amenábar's The Others is when Nicole Kidman sees her small daughter transformed into a knackered hag.

The Guardian - Film

ThIt article originally appeared on VICE Indonesia.

Vice

This rule rests on the theory that any set of unfavorable facts can look terrifying, when exposed to sustained thinking.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrifying look" to vividly describe a facial expression or visual scene that evokes fear and dread in the observer. It's most effective when conveying a sudden or intense emotional reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "terrifying look" to describe something that is merely unpleasant or uncomfortable. Reserve it for situations where genuine fear or intense dread is being conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrifying look" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "terrifying", which modifies the noun "look", to describe a specific quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI provides examples where it's used to depict a horrifying visual or facial expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "terrifying look" is a descriptive noun phrase effectively used to convey a sense of intense fear or dread. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, predominantly in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to reserve it for situations genuinely evoking terror, distinguishing it from mere discomfort. Alternatives like "frightening appearance" or "horrifying sight" can offer nuanced variations. When constructing your sentences you need to avoid using "terrifying look" to describe something that is merely unpleasant or uncomfortable. Reserve it for situations where genuine fear or intense dread is being conveyed. To write correctly, take into account that it is effective when conveying a sudden or intense emotional reaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightening appearance

Focuses on the visual aspect of causing fear, rather than a momentary "look".

horrifying sight

Emphasizes the visual shock and disgust associated with something terrifying.

dreadful visage

A more formal and literary way to describe a terrifying face or appearance.

alarming aspect

Highlights the alarming nature of something's appearance or presentation.

chilling perspective

Shifts from a visual "look" to an intellectual or emotional viewpoint that causes fear.

menacing presence

Focuses on the overall feeling of threat and danger that something exudes.

ghastly spectacle

Highlights the shocking and unpleasant nature of something viewed.

unnerving image

Focuses on the unsettling or disturbing nature of a visual representation.

petrifying glimpse

Emphasizes the brief and intensely frightening nature of a quick look.

daunting prospect

Shifts the focus to a future event or possibility that inspires fear.

FAQs

How can I use "terrifying look" in a sentence?

You can use "terrifying look" to describe someone's facial expression or a visual scene that inspires fear. For instance, "The clown gave the child a terrifying look" or "The abandoned house had a terrifying look in the moonlight".

What phrases are similar to "terrifying look"?

Alternatives include "frightening appearance", "horrifying sight", or "dreadful visage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "terrifying look" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "terrifying look" may be more suited for descriptive or narrative writing. In formal or scientific contexts, consider alternatives like "alarming aspect" or "menacing presence" for a more detached tone.

What makes a "terrifying look" different from a "scary look"?

While both evoke fear, a "terrifying look" implies a more intense and overwhelming sense of dread, while a "scary look" might suggest a milder form of fear or unease. The intensity of the emotion is the key differentiator.