terrifying reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrifying reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is frightening or alarming in nature. Example: "The documentary revealed the terrifying reality of climate change and its impact on our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This figure soon begins to function as a terrifying reality principle: he "swan-dived out of the blazing building and into her head," and there he remains.

The New York Times - Books

There are nighttime battle scenes that last as long as ten minutes in "The Pacific" — an attempt to give viewers some sense of the unrelenting, terrifying reality of it all.

The New Yorker

There are nighttime battle scenes that last as long as ten minutes in "The Pacific"—an attempt to give viewers some sense of the unrelenting, terrifying reality of it all.

The New Yorker

The overall blue tint of "Mouth to Mouth," the red pillow in "Breathing Space" and the pink cloth in "Static," for example, are indicative of Ms. Smith and Mr. Stewart's reliance on aesthetic artifice to create beauty even in the face of terrifying reality.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are now aware of a terrifying reality - that governments don't necessarily need intermediaries like Facebook, Google, and Microsoft to get our data".

BBC

It's cartoonish enough to remain fantasy but breathtaking enough to be shrouded in terrifying reality.

Huffington Post

The chances of this less than terrifying reality braking the momentum of the "war on terror" juggernaut?

Huffington Post

Bill Block, one of Artisan's two presidents, said he "literally could not sleep" after seeing the film, which "brings a refreshingly terrifying reality to the horror genre, based on psychological suggestion, not special effects". Jeff Dowd, a veteran producer's rep (he helped find distribution for Joel and Ethan Coen's debut feature, 1984's "Blood Simple," among scores of other films), agreed.

Los Angeles Times

This is in itself a terrifying reality for any mother to face, but the worst part was actually that I knew by then that how decoratively useless I was because the kids would have been just as safe and happy if I had chosen to sit 20 feet away.

Huffington Post

It is a terrifying reality.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But turning it on unleashes terrifying, reality-warping changes.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terrifying reality", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the fear or alarm to maximize impact. For example, specify the event, situation, or discovery that elicits the terror.

Common error

Avoid using "terrifying reality" in contexts where the situation is merely concerning or challenging, not genuinely frightening. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrifying reality" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "terrifying" modifies the noun "reality". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terrifying reality" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that emphasizes the alarming and frightening nature of a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, designed to evoke a strong emotional response. While alternatives like "frightening truth" or "alarming situation" exist, "terrifying reality" conveys a particularly strong sense of fear and severity. When using this phrase, it's best to provide clear context to maximize its impact and avoid overuse in less serious situations. The authoritative sources, like The Guardian and The New York Times, validate its widespread use in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightening truth

Focuses on the factual aspect of something that causes fear.

alarming situation

Emphasizes the potential danger and urgency of a scenario.

dire circumstance

Highlights the severity and seriousness of a condition.

horrifying fact

Stresses the disturbing nature of a particular piece of information.

grim prospect

Indicates a bleak and undesirable future outlook.

dreadful state

Describes a condition filled with fear and apprehension.

nightmarish scenario

Evokes a sense of a very bad or frightening imagined situation.

chilling prospect

Focuses on something in the future that inspires fear.

unsettling reality

Implies a situation that makes one feel anxious or uneasy.

daunting actuality

Highlights the intimidating and challenging nature of a real-world situation.

FAQs

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

Use "terrifying reality" to describe situations that evoke intense fear or horror. For instance: "The documentary revealed the "terrifying reality" of the war."

What can I say instead of "terrifying reality"?

You can use alternatives like "frightening truth", "alarming situation", or "grim prospect" depending on the context.

Is "terrifying reality" formal or informal?

"Terrifying reality" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in news and media reporting or serious discussions where strong emotional impact is intended.

What makes "terrifying reality" different from "unpleasant reality"?

"Terrifying reality" emphasizes intense fear and horror, while "unpleasant reality" simply indicates something is disagreeable or unwanted, lacking the strong emotional charge of the former.