terrifying times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrifying times" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe periods of fear, uncertainty, or distress, often in a historical or personal context. Example: "During the war, many people lived in terrifying times, filled with anxiety and danger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Accompanied by the Eos Orchestra and staged by Mary Zimmerman, the Tony Awardirectorg directof of "Metamorphoses," who is also co-writer, the opera is "Galileo Galilei," a portrait of the complex 16th-century scientist in terrifying times.

The New York Times - Arts

Though Sizzle admits to some "terrifying times financially", the team always managed to pull through.

Vice

JOHN OLIVER Terrifying Times Comedy Central, Sunday night at 10, Eastern and Pacific times; 9, Central time.

The New York Times - Arts

"Terrifying Times" has the feel of a vanity production or a contractual obligation: it's being shown on Sunday night by Comedy Central, also home of "The Daily Show".

The New York Times - Arts

"John Oliver: Terrifying Times" serves mainly to demonstrate the huge gulf between "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," to which Mr. Oliver contributes funny bits, and traditional stand-up comedy.

The New York Times - Arts

Leather jacket and chain at the ready, Nick chose Halloween for his resurrection, a date right up there with Good Friday in the Official 2014 Terrifying Times In Walford calendar.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

As the founder and executive director of the National LGBT Cancer Network, I tend to think of the disease as terrifying, time-consuming, disfiguring, expensive and isolating.

Huffington Post

If the world seems terrifying at times, that's because you're technically still a child.

The Guardian - Opinion

Navigating high school with an anxiety disorder is exhausting, confusing and terrifying at times.

Huffington Post

Instead, what they are getting is a parent who is actually terrifying at times.

Huffington Post

You may not know where your detour is headed, and the road may be terrifying at times, but that's OK.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terrifying times", provide specific context to illustrate the source and nature of the fear, enhancing the reader's understanding and emotional connection.

Common error

Avoid using "terrifying times" as a generic descriptor for any slightly unpleasant situation. Reserve it for contexts genuinely marked by widespread fear, danger, or distress. Lack of specificity dilutes the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrifying times" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes a period characterized by intense fear or dread. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrifying times" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe periods of intense fear or danger. Ludwig AI shows that it is suitable for various contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's most effective when used with specific details to enhance its impact and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "frightening era" or "dreadful period" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in tone. The best approach is to consider what you want to transmit and what is the best alternative based on the readers and the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightening era

Substitutes "terrifying" with "frightening" and "times" with "era", slightly altering the tone while maintaining the core meaning.

dreadful period

Replaces "terrifying" with "dreadful" and "times" with "period", providing a more formal and somber tone.

perilous moments

Emphasizes the immediate presence of danger.

scary days

Uses more informal language, replacing "terrifying" with "scary" and "times" with "days".

troubled era

Highlights the presence of problems and unrest.

dangerous age

Focuses on the perilous nature of the time, suitable for describing periods of conflict or instability.

precarious years

Emphasizes the instability and uncertainty of the period.

anxious moments

Shifts the focus to the emotional experience, highlighting anxiety rather than outright terror.

dark age

Implies a period of decline, ignorance, or suffering, often used historically.

challenging circumstances

Downplays the fear, focusing instead on the difficulties and hardships faced.

FAQs

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

You can use "terrifying times" to describe periods marked by significant fear, uncertainty, or danger. For example, "The war created "terrifying times" for many families."

What phrases are similar to "terrifying times"?

Similar phrases include "frightening era", "dreadful period", or "scary days", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "terrifying times" a formal or informal expression?

"Terrifying times" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more impactful in descriptive or narrative writing.

Can "terrifying times" be used to describe personal experiences?

Yes, "terrifying times" can describe personal experiences, but it's important to ensure the intensity of the phrase aligns with the gravity of the experience. For instance, "Facing that diagnosis was a "terrifying times" in my life."