afraid to let

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "afraid to let" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing fear or hesitation about allowing someone to do something or to reveal something. Example: "She was afraid to let him see her true feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

HuffPost

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is afraid to let loose.

The New York Times

Maybe he's afraid to let me see".

The New York Times - Magazine

I am afraid to let it take complete shape.

The New Yorker

Don't be afraid to let the blokes take the strain.

The Times

They're afraid to let kids out in the yard".

The New York Times

But he's not afraid to let it happen.

The Guardian - Film

And he is not afraid to let everyone know.

The Guardian

She is not afraid to let out a growl".

The New York Times

He wasn't afraid to let you know his opinion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I also thought: you're afraid to let go of your children.

The New York Times

Mr. Buhari said Mr. Jonathan's party "is afraid to let people come out and vote".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "afraid to let", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is experiencing the fear or hesitation and what action they are reluctant to allow. For example, "The parents were afraid to let their children play outside after dark."

Common error

Avoid using "afraid to let" when a stronger term is more appropriate. For instance, if something is strictly forbidden, "prohibited" or "banned" are more accurate than "afraid to let", which implies a degree of reluctance rather than a complete prohibition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afraid to let" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of apprehension or reluctance regarding permission or allowance. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and usability, reflecting its role in conveying a fear-based decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

31%

HuffPost

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "afraid to let" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to convey reluctance or apprehension in granting permission. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in general writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly defines who is experiencing the fear and what action they are hesitant to allow. Remember to consider alternative expressions like "hesitant to allow" or "reluctant to permit" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant to allow

Focuses on the hesitation or unwillingness to permit something.

reluctant to permit

Emphasizes a stronger disinclination to allow something.

wary of allowing

Highlights caution and suspicion in permitting something.

uneasy about permitting

Indicates a sense of discomfort or anxiety in allowing something.

apprehensive about enabling

Suggests a fear of negative consequences from allowing something.

concerned about authorizing

Highlights worry or concern related to allowing something.

leery of sanctioning

Indicates distrust and caution in allowing something.

disinclined to approve

Emphasizes a lack of willingness to give permission.

unwilling to consent to

Expresses a firm refusal to allow something.

nervous about facilitating

Highlights anxiety in enabling something.

FAQs

How can I use "afraid to let" in a sentence?

You can use "afraid to let" to express a feeling of fear or hesitation about allowing someone or something to do something. For example, "She was afraid to let her guard down" or "They were afraid to let him drive alone".

What are some alternatives to "afraid to let"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "hesitant to allow", "reluctant to permit", or "wary of allowing".

Is it better to say "afraid to let" or "scared to let"?

"Afraid" and "scared" are often interchangeable, but "afraid" can sometimes imply a more general sense of unease, while "scared" suggests a more immediate fear. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "afraid to let" and "unwilling to let"?

"Afraid to let" implies a sense of fear or anxiety is driving the decision, whereas "unwilling to let" suggests a lack of desire or a conscious choice not to allow something. The first is emotion-based, the second is will-based.