afraid of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "afraid of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing fear or apprehension regarding a specific object, situation, or concept. Example: "She was afraid of the dark, which made it difficult for her to sleep at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Clearly, they're afraid of something.

The New Yorker

"Everyone's afraid of something".

The New York Times

They are afraid of something.

The Guardian

Everyone is afraid of something.

The Guardian - Opinion

But these people are afraid of something.

The Guardian

I am afraid of something else happening".

The New York Times

Especially if I'm afraid of something.

The New York Times - Health

Tonight I think I'm afraid of something else".

The New Yorker

"We were not afraid of something new," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Wendy Davis Opponent Is Afraidd of Something.

HuffPost

But it was she who was afraid of something wasn't she?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional intensity you want to convey. Alternatives like "terrified" or "uneasy" can better express the specific degree of fear.

Common error

Avoid using vague pronouns like "it" after stating you're "afraid of something". Always clarify what "it" refers to, as ambiguity can confuse the reader. For example, instead of saying "I'm afraid of something, and it's getting closer", specify "I'm afraid of the approaching storm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afraid of something" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of fear or apprehension. It expresses a specific feeling of dread related to an undefined or generalized source, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

21%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

15%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "afraid of something" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate fear or apprehension without necessarily pinpointing its source. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse settings, from news reports to casual conversations. While alternatives like "fearful of something" or "scared of something" exist, "afraid of something" provides a versatile way to express a general sense of dread or unease. Remember to ensure the context clearly indicates the source of fear and consider the emotional intensity you wish to convey for a better impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearful of something

Replaces "afraid" with a synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

scared of something

Uses a more informal synonym for "afraid", indicating a slightly heightened emotional response.

terrified of something

Indicates a strong and overwhelming fear.

apprehensive about something

Shifts the focus to anticipation and anxiety about a potential outcome or situation.

uneasy about something

Suggests a mild level of discomfort or anxiety, often related to uncertainty.

worried about something

Focuses on the mental distress caused by anticipating potential problems.

anxious about something

Indicates a heightened state of worry and nervousness.

concerned about something

Emphasizes a sense of responsibility or care in relation to the potential issue.

hesitant about something

Highlights a reluctance to proceed due to fear or uncertainty.

have a phobia of something

Signifies a irrational fear or aversion to something specific.

FAQs

How to use "afraid of something" in a sentence?

Use "afraid of something" to express fear or apprehension about a specific thing. For example, "She is "afraid of heights"" or "They are "afraid of the dark"".

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

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

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

"Afraid of something" is correct. "Afraid from something" is grammatically incorrect and not used in standard English.

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

"Afraid of something" typically refers to a specific fear or phobia, while "anxious about something" suggests a more general worry or unease about a potential future event or situation.