I was scared for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was scared for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or fear for someone or something in a specific situation. Example: "I was scared for my friend when I heard about the storm approaching their area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was scared for him".

The New York Times

I was scared for my job".

The New York Times - Sports

I was scared for our lives.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was scared for my life".

The New York Times

"I was scared for him," she said.

The New York Times

But mostly I was scared for myself.

The Guardian

He added, "I was scared for the patients".

The New Yorker

"I was scared for him, physically and emotionally," she recalled.

The New York Times

Paul said, "I was scared for my life".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I am scared for him".

The New York Times

I am scared for my life".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue or first-person narratives, "I was scared for" adds a personal and emotional dimension to the text.

Common error

Don't use "scared of" when you mean to express concern for someone else. "Scared of" implies personal fear, whereas "scared for" implies concern for another person's well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was scared for" functions as a statement expressing a feeling of fear or concern for the well-being of someone or something else. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, where individuals express their anxiety about the safety or health of others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Vice

14%

Huffington Post

14%

Less common in

The New York Times

11%

The Guardian

5%

Unicef

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was scared for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express fear or concern for someone or something. Ludwig AI affirms this, showcasing its widespread use in various contexts, from personal anecdotes to news reports. It's important to distinguish its meaning from "scared of", which denotes personal fear. The phrase is prevalent in news and media sources, indicating its suitability for conveying empathetic responses in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was worried about

Focuses more on general concern rather than immediate fear.

I feared for

More formal and emphasizes a strong feeling of apprehension.

I was anxious for

Highlights the aspect of unease and anticipation.

I was apprehensive about

Emphasizes a feeling of worry about something that might happen.

I felt concern for

More formal and expresses a general feeling of concern.

I dreaded for

Implies a strong aversion and fear about something that is going to happen.

I was uneasy about

Expresses a lack of comfort or certainty.

I was solicitous for

Shows care and concern, often in a formal context.

I trembled for

Suggests a stronger emotional reaction, indicating fear and vulnerability.

I agonized over

Implies a prolonged period of worry and distress.

FAQs

What does "I was scared for" mean?

The phrase "I was scared for" expresses that you felt fear or anxiety about the well-being or safety of someone or something.

What can I say instead of "I was scared for"?

You can use alternatives like "I was worried about", "I feared for", or "I was concerned for" depending on the context.

How do I use "I was scared for" in a sentence?

Use "I was scared for" when you want to express your fear or concern regarding someone or something's safety or well-being. For example: "I was scared for my children when the storm started."

Is it correct to say "I was scared of" instead of "I was scared for"?

While both are grammatically correct, they have different meanings. "I was scared of" indicates that you were personally afraid, while "I was scared for" indicates that you were afraid for someone else's safety or well-being.