I am terrified

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I am terrified" is correct and is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to express intense fear or worry about something, and can usually be found in stories, journals, letters, and other forms of written communication. For example, you could write "I am terrified of heights and cannot bring myself to go on a roller coaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I am terrified.

Independent

"I am terrified," she said.

Independent

"I am terrified," he admits.

The Guardian

But mainly, I am terrified.

The New York Times - Arts

But increasingly I am terrified for them.

The New York Times - Books

And I am terrified of being weak.

The Guardian - Books

"I am terrified every time I go on stage.

Independent

Another person wrote: "I am terrified of string.

The New York Times

"I am terrified for my daughter," Ms. Mott said.

The New York Times

Instantly, I am terrified, because I know she knows I am terrified and that I love her.

The New Yorker

"I am terrified of McCarthyism in whatever clothes it wears".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am terrified" to convey a strong sense of fear or apprehension. Be mindful of the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase aligns with the situation you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "I am terrified" when describing minor inconveniences or mild discomfort. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for milder alternatives like "I am worried" or "I am uneasy" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am terrified" functions as a declarative statement expressing a personal feeling of intense fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to communicate a strong emotional response. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage across various contexts to express genuine fear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I am terrified" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express a strong feeling of fear or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news media, formal communications, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations where the level of fear is genuinely high, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives like "I am scared" or "I am worried" might be more suitable for milder situations. The phrase’s neutral register makes it appropriate for various audiences, yet understanding its intensity is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am scared

This alternative is a more general and less intense expression of fear.

I am frightened

Similar to "I am scared", this phrase expresses fear, but may be perceived as slightly more formal.

I am afraid

This alternative conveys a similar sentiment of fear or apprehension, often used in milder contexts.

I am petrified

This phrase indicates an extreme level of fear, suggesting being paralyzed by terror.

I am anxious

This phrase shifts the focus to a feeling of worry and unease about potential future events.

I am apprehensive

This alternative suggests a more thoughtful and anticipatory sense of worry or dread.

I am worried

This alternative focuses on concern and anxiety about a particular situation or outcome.

I am alarmed

Conveys a sense of sudden fear and shock, often triggered by an unexpected event.

I am uneasy

Expresses a feeling of discomfort and lack of peace, often due to an unknown or uncertain situation.

I am dreading

Focuses on anticipating something negative or unpleasant with a feeling of intense reluctance.

FAQs

What does "I am terrified" mean?

The phrase "I am terrified" means you are experiencing a high level of fear or intense anxiety. It's a stronger expression than simply saying you are scared or afraid.

What can I say instead of "I am terrified"?

You can use alternatives like "I am scared", "I am frightened", or "I am afraid" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I am terrified"?

Use "I am terrified" when you want to emphasize a significant level of fear or anxiety. It is suitable for situations involving genuine danger, intense worry, or deep-seated phobias. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences.

How does "I am terrified" differ from "I am anxious"?

While both phrases express negative emotions, "I am terrified" indicates a higher level of fear, often related to a specific threat or situation. "I am anxious", on the other hand, generally describes a state of worry or unease about potential future events or uncertain outcomes.