they are intimidating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are intimidating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe people, situations, or things that evoke fear or apprehension in others. Example: "The towering skyscrapers in the city can be overwhelming; they are intimidating to newcomers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

They think they are intimidating people to stop supporting the revolution.

The Guardian

"Their militias are on the streets all the time and they are intimidating the local people," the official said.

The New York Times

"They are intimidating, some of them have metal bars, knives and, in one incident, a gun was pointed at a trucker.

Independent

"They are intimidating people into paying to use a public space," fumes Carmen Polledo, a councilwoman who belongs to the PRO, the party led by the city's mayor, Mauricio Macri (a probable candidate in October's presidentialelection).Another target is street merchants who operate outside areas set aside for them.

The Economist

They are wonderful and majestic but when a wild tiger looks at you with the cold gaze - yes, they are intimidating.

BBC

"That's why they are intimidating, and that is why they feel exclusionary". Twentysomethings are twice as likely as older generations to play videogames on a given day.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But even they are intimidated.

The New York Times

They don't know the rules, and they are intimidated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"They are intimidated when they see us," he said.

The New York Times

"They are intimidated by my success," Baffert said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not sure whether I've ever looked at them to find out whether they are intimidated.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are intimidating" to describe a group or entity that inspires fear or apprehension due to their power, size, or reputation. Ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "they are intimidating" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure your audience knows who or what is being described as intimidating to prevent confusion. Vague pronoun references can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are intimidating" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a quality or characteristic to a group or entity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound. The examples show its usage in describing people, animals and even inanimate objects that evoke fear or apprehension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are intimidating" serves as a clear and direct way to express that a subject evokes fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples in news and media. While it can be used in various registers, ensure clarity by specifying the antecedent of 'they' to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "they are daunting" or "they are frightening" offer nuanced variations, but the core message remains consistent: the subject inspires a sense of intimidation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they come across as frightening

Focuses on the perception of being scary rather than actively intimidating.

they exude a fearsome aura

Emphasizes a general sense of dread or respect inspired by them.

they strike fear into the hearts of others

Highlights the emotional impact of their presence.

they instill apprehension

Focuses on the creation of worry or unease.

they inspire dread

Highlights a feeling of intense fear or reluctance.

they project an image of menace

Emphasizes the outwardly threatening appearance or demeanor.

they are a menacing presence

Highlights the threat they represent in a given location or situation.

they make people feel uneasy

Focuses on a subtle sense of discomfort or anxiety.

they are rather daunting

Suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed or challenged.

they are causing trepidation

Implies a state of fear or anxiety about what might happen.

FAQs

How can I use "they are intimidating" in a sentence?

You can use "they are intimidating" to describe a group, object, or situation that causes fear or unease. For example, "The size of the opposing team was overwhelming; "they are intimidating"."

What are some alternatives to saying "they are intimidating"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they are daunting", "they are frightening", or "they are menacing". Each alternative provides a slightly different shade of meaning.

Is it correct to say "they are intimidating" or should I use another verb tense?

"They are intimidating" is grammatically correct in the present continuous tense. If you want to describe a general characteristic, you could say "they intimidate", but "they are intimidating" describes their current effect.

What's the difference between "they are intimidating" and "they intimidate"?

"They are intimidating" suggests that they are currently causing others to feel intimidated, while "they intimidate" implies that they have a general habit or tendency to intimidate. The former describes a current state, and the latter a habitual action.