utterly terrified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly terrified" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
For example, you might say, "The little girl was utterly terrified of the haunted house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Utterly terrified.

The Guardian

I was utterly terrified.

The Washington Post

I felt utterly terrified.

The Guardian - Books

"I'm utterly terrified".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It utterly terrified me.

The Guardian

They were utterly terrified.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

This is utterly terrifying.

The Guardian - Opinion

Psychologically complex, and utterly terrifying.

The Guardian

So not utterly terrifying then.

The Guardian - Travel

When he was on one, he was utterly terrifying.

The Guardian - Sport

Jude Law's Pope Lenny is an utterly terrifying creation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly terrified" to emphasize a strong feeling of fear, especially when describing someone's reaction to a shocking or frightening event. It is effective in conveying the intensity of their emotion.

Common error

While "utterly terrified" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing where a more nuanced or sophisticated expression of fear may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "profoundly alarmed" or "deeply apprehensive" in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly terrified" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It intensifies the feeling of being "terrified", emphasizing the completeness and extremity of the fear experienced. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly terrified" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to express a strong feeling of fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to emphasize the emotional impact of events. While it can be used in a variety of situations, overuse in very formal contexts should be avoided. Alternatives such as "completely terrified" or "absolutely terrified" may be considered for variety. The phrase is widely understood and effective in conveying intense fear or alarm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely terrified

Emphasizes the complete and total nature of the terror experienced, similar to "utterly terrified".

completely terrified

Indicates a full and all-encompassing state of terror, closely mirroring the meaning of "utterly terrified".

totally terrified

Synonymous with "utterly terrified", suggesting a complete lack of calm due to fear.

extremely frightened

Conveys a high degree of fear, though it might suggest a slightly lower intensity than "utterly terrified".

deeply afraid

Highlights the profound emotional impact of fear, similar in intensity to "utterly terrified".

scared stiff

An idiomatic expression that signifies extreme fear causing immobility; a more colorful alternative.

paralyzed with fear

Focuses on the immobilizing effect of extreme fear, a possible consequence of being "utterly terrified".

petrified

Implies a state of being turned to stone with fear, indicating intense and overwhelming terror.

in a state of panic

Describes the resultant state of being "utterly terrified", focusing on the disoriented and frantic response.

filled with dread

Highlights the anticipation and overwhelming feeling of fear before an event, rather than during it.

FAQs

What does "utterly terrified" mean?

The phrase "utterly terrified" means to be completely and extremely frightened. It suggests a high degree of fear and panic.

What can I say instead of "utterly terrified"?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely terrified", "completely terrified", or "totally terrified" to convey a similar meaning. Other options include "extremely frightened" or "deeply afraid".

Is it grammatically correct to say "utterly terrified"?

Yes, "utterly terrified" is grammatically correct. "Utterly" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "terrified", intensifying its meaning.

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

You can use "utterly terrified" to describe someone's emotional state in response to a frightening situation. For example: "She was utterly terrified when she saw the snake in her garden."