What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scaring
Example
The horror movie was so scary that I had nightmares. [scary: adjective]
Example
He tried scaring his little sister by jumping out from behind the door. [scaring: gerund or present participle]
frightening
Example
The sound of thunder was frightening for the little girl. [frightening: adjective]
Example
The news of the earthquake was frightening for the residents of the city. [frightening: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frightening is more commonly used than scaring in everyday language. Frightening is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while scaring is less common and often associated with informal or colloquial language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scaring and frightening?
Frightening is a more formal word than scaring. While scaring is typically used in informal contexts, frightening can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word overall.
