utterly horrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly horrifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely frightening or disturbing. Example: "The movie was so well-made that the scenes of the haunted house were utterly horrifying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

William Friedkin's 1973 classic is, says Marty, "as utterly horrifying as it was the day it came out".

The Guardian - Film

Rees-Mogg, deputy chairman, described the programme as "totally unacceptable"; Lady Faulkner said she had been "frightened" when viewing the film and thought its contents were "utterly horrifying".

The Guardian

When he vents his fury on the pornographer, it's an utterly horrifying sequence – not only because of the graphic violence, but because Maskell gives an authentic impression of a soul in torment.

Independent

One place below comes The Exorcist, made by Scorsese's fellow Hollywood New Waver William Friedkin, which he decribes as "utterly horrifying as it was the day it came out".

The Guardian - Film

South African crimes of sexual violence are utterly horrifying.

BBC

It's an image that's at once calming and utterly horrifying.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He was utterly horrified.

The New Yorker

Dear friends and family, Jen and I are utterly horrified to announce the arrival of our son, Jasper Heusen-­Gravenstein, born May 21st at 4 56 A.M. For nine long months, we've wondered who this little creature would be.

The New Yorker

The west is both transfixed and utterly horrified by China's rapid development, and the fashion world, as much as it would like to see itself as the final frontier for nonconformity, is no different.

The Guardian - Opinion

He told the Sky News Murnaghan programme: "I think we've all been shocked by the revelations that have come out, the stories involving NHS hospitals, involving homes for very vulnerable children, I think all of us who once saw Jimmy Savile as a great national figure, now are utterly horrified by the truth that's emerged about him.

Independent

By Kira Garcia June 30, 2016 Dear friends and family, Jen and I are utterly horrified to announce the arrival of our son, Jasper Heusen-­Gravenstein, born May 21st at 4 56 A.M. For nine long months, we've wondered who this little creature would be.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly horrifying" to describe situations or events that evoke a strong sense of dread, disgust, or terror. Ensure the context warrants such a strong adjective.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly horrifying" for situations that are merely unpleasant or inconvenient. This diminishes the impact when describing genuinely terrifying events.

Linguistic Context

Utterly horrifying" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to convey an extreme degree of horror or dread. It amplifies the feeling associated with the noun it modifies, indicating something deeply disturbing and frightening. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly horrifying" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that serves to describe something extremely frightening or disturbing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying a strong sense of dread and shock. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong adjective, avoiding overuse in milder contexts. Alternatives such as "absolutely terrifying" or "incredibly disturbing" can offer nuanced variations depending on the desired emotional impact. It's a powerful phrase when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely terrifying

Replaces "utterly" with "absolutely", emphasizing the intensity of fear.

genuinely terrifying

Adds "genuinely" to emphasize the authenticity and realness of the terror.

exceptionally frightening

Uses "exceptionally" instead of "utterly", stressing the high degree of fear.

completely dreadful

Substitutes "horrifying" with "dreadful", focusing on the unpleasantness and awfulness.

unbelievably ghastly

Employs the word "ghastly" to underscore the repulsive and dreadful nature of something.

totally appalling

Replaces "utterly horrifying" with a different adjective that describes something awful and shocking.

profoundly shocking

Highlights the deep emotional impact and surprise caused by the event or situation.

thoroughly chilling

Focuses on the unnerving and spine-tingling aspect, rather than explicit horror.

incredibly disturbing

Shifts the focus to the unsettling nature of the subject, rather than pure horror.

remarkably dreadful

Emphasizes the notably unpleasant or low quality of the subject

FAQs

How can I use "utterly horrifying" in a sentence?

Use "utterly horrifying" to describe events, situations, or images that inspire intense fear, disgust, or shock. For example: "The details of the crime were utterly horrifying."

What are some alternatives to "utterly horrifying"?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely terrifying", "completely dreadful", or "incredibly disturbing" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly horrifying" in formal writing?

Yes, "utterly horrifying" can be used in formal writing when describing situations that warrant such strong language. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it is appropriate. Always be mindful of the impact it has on the reader, and if you are not sure, a less extreme alternative might work better.

What makes something "utterly horrifying" versus simply "horrifying"?

The term "utterly" intensifies the adjective "horrifying", indicating a complete or extreme degree of horror. Something that is "utterly horrifying" evokes a stronger sense of dread, disgust, or terror than something that is merely "horrifying".