afraid of

USAGE SUMMARY

"afraid of" is absolutely correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a feeling of apprehension or fear about something specific. For example, "The child was afraid of the dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Afraid of risk?

The New York Times

They're afraid of bullets.

The New York Times

"He's afraid of you.

Independent

Afraid of falling.

The New Yorker

"Vidia's afraid of heights.

The New Yorker

"They're afraid of girls".

Independent

What's he afraid of?

Independent

Everybody's afraid of change.

Independent

"What you afraid of?

The New Yorker

They're afraid of Castro.

The New Yorker

I'm afraid of drugs".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "afraid of", clearly specify what the source of the fear is to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I'm afraid", specify "I'm afraid of heights".

Common error

Avoid using "afraid of" with abstract concepts that don't evoke a sense of fear. For example, instead of "afraid of success", consider using "apprehensive about success" or "uncertain about success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afraid of" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject by expressing a state of fear or apprehension. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically sound and very common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "afraid of" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. While it is most frequently found in news and media, it is also prevalent in informal and scientific settings. When using this phrase, be sure to specify the source of the fear clearly and avoid using it with abstract concepts that don't evoke a sense of fear. Consider alternatives like "fearful of" or "scared of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearful of

Emphasizes a sense of fear, closely mirroring the meaning of "afraid of".

scared of

More informal, conveying a similar feeling of unease or fright.

apprehensive about

Suggests a more thoughtful anticipation of potential difficulties or dangers.

worried about

Implies a concern or anxiety about a potential outcome.

anxious about

Similar to "worried about", but with a stronger sense of nervousness.

concerned about

Highlights a sense of responsibility or care regarding a potential negative consequence.

uneasy about

Suggests a general feeling of discomfort or lack of confidence.

hesitant about

Indicates a reluctance to do something due to fear or uncertainty.

reluctant to

Expresses unwillingness or disinclination due to fear of the unknown.

intimidated by

Focuses on the feeling of being overwhelmed or discouraged by something.

FAQs

How to use "afraid of" in a sentence?

Use "afraid of" to express a feeling of fear or apprehension towards something. For example, "She is "afraid of the dark"" or "They are "afraid of making mistakes"".

What can I say instead of "afraid of"?

You can use alternatives like "fearful of", "scared of", or "apprehensive about" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "afraid of" or "afraid from"?

"Afraid of" is the correct and standard usage. "Afraid from" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "afraid of" and "anxious about"?

"Afraid of" typically implies a more immediate or intense feeling of fear, while "anxious about" suggests a more prolonged state of worry or unease regarding a future event or situation.