afraid of getting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "afraid of getting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing fear or apprehension about a potential outcome or situation. Example: "She was afraid of getting lost in the unfamiliar city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's afraid of getting old".

The New Yorker

Was he afraid of getting caught?

The New York Times

"I am never afraid of getting out!

Independent

"They were afraid of getting primaries.

The New York Times

We're all afraid of getting deported.

The New Yorker

"I was afraid of getting pregnant".

The New York Times

I'm afraid of getting hurt.

The New York Times

"They're actually afraid of getting hurt themselves".

The New York Times

I'm afraid of getting over those things.

The Guardian - Music

Weren't you afraid of getting cut open?

The Guardian - Film

"Are you very afraid of getting in trouble?" he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "afraid of getting" to express a specific fear related to a potential outcome. Ensure the context clearly defines what the subject fears obtaining or experiencing.

Common error

Avoid using "afraid of getting" in contexts where general anxiety or uncertainty is more appropriate. Ensure the sentence structure reflects a direct fear of a specific obtainable result, not simply a general unease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afraid of getting" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by expressing a state of fear or apprehension regarding a potential outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "afraid of getting" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey fear or apprehension about a potential outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, ranging from informal conversations to formal writing. Its neutral register and prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its versatility. While alternatives like "scared of obtaining" or "worried about receiving" exist, "afraid of getting" remains a direct and widely understood way to express this specific type of fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scared of obtaining

Replaces "afraid" with "scared" and "getting" with "obtaining", offering a slightly less formal tone.

worried about receiving

Shifts from fear to worry, implying a lighter concern about what might happen.

apprehensive about acquiring

Uses more formal vocabulary, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

concerned about contracting

Specifically refers to fear related to illnesses or diseases.

hesitant about accepting

Implies a reluctance or unwillingness due to fear of consequences.

uneasy about experiencing

Suggests a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety about a potential event.

anxious about undergoing

Focuses on the anxiety related to going through a particular process or situation.

dread receiving

Emphasizes a strong feeling of fear or aversion towards something.

terrified of catching

Expresses extreme fear specifically related to catching an illness.

reluctant to secure

Expresses a disinclination to obtain something due to apprehension or reservations.

FAQs

How can I use "afraid of getting" in a sentence?

You can use "afraid of getting" to express fear or apprehension about a potential outcome or situation. For example, "She was "afraid of getting" lost in the unfamiliar city".

What can I say instead of "afraid of getting"?

You can use alternatives like "scared of obtaining", "worried about receiving", or "apprehensive about acquiring" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "afraid of getting" or "afraid to get"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Afraid of getting" implies a fear of the process or outcome of obtaining something, while "afraid to get" implies a fear of the action itself. For example, "I'm "afraid of getting" sick" vs "I'm "afraid to get" on the roller coaster".

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

"Afraid of getting" expresses a stronger sense of fear or dread, while "concerned about getting" suggests a milder level of worry or unease. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.