afraid to speak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "afraid to speak" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is hesitant or unwilling to vocalize their thoughts or feelings. Example: Despite her strong opinions, Mary was afraid to speak up during the meeting, fearing she would be judged by her colleagues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are afraid to speak".

The New York Times

She wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

The Guardian - Books

But many are afraid to speak up.

The Guardian - Sport

People are afraid to speak out!

The Guardian

"He wasn't afraid to speak out.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm still afraid to speak properly now.

The Guardian

"I was afraid to speak out.

The Guardian

I am not afraid to speak out.

The Guardian

"Don't be afraid to speak up," she says.

The New York Times

He is also not afraid to speak his mind.

The Economist

It got so that I was afraid to speak!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "afraid to speak", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the fear. Is it fear of repercussions, judgment, or something else? Providing this context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "afraid to speak" in highly formal or academic writing without considering more nuanced alternatives like "hesitant to express" or "reluctant to articulate", as the phrase can sometimes sound too simplistic for sophisticated contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afraid to speak" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing their state of fear or reluctance to vocalize their thoughts or feelings. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically correct and frequently used. For example, "They are afraid to speak" indicates their hesitancy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "afraid to speak" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's reluctance or fear of expressing themselves. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific nuances of fear and the level of formality required when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "hesitant to talk" or "reluctant to speak up" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember to provide context to clarify the source of the fear for better understanding. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, reflecting real-world scenarios where individuals face pressures that inhibit their freedom of expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant to talk

Focuses on the hesitation aspect rather than explicit fear.

reluctant to speak up

Emphasizes unwillingness and active participation.

scared to voice an opinion

Highlights the fear associated with expressing personal views.

apprehensive about speaking

Indicates anxiety or unease regarding the act of speaking.

inhibited from speaking

Suggests an internal restraint preventing speech.

not daring to speak

Emphasizes the lack of courage or boldness to speak.

holding back from speaking

Implies a deliberate act of preventing oneself from speaking.

choosing to remain silent

Focuses on the active choice of silence.

wary of speaking out

Highlights caution and potential negative consequences of speaking.

fearful of voicing concerns

Highlights the emotional state linked to talking about problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "afraid to speak" to describe someone's reluctance or fear in expressing themselves. For example, "The witnesses were "afraid to speak" out due to fear of retaliation".

What are some alternatives to "afraid to speak"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "hesitant to talk", "reluctant to speak up", or "scared to voice an opinion".

What is the difference between "afraid to speak" and "afraid to speak out"?

"Afraid to speak" generally means being fearful of saying anything, while "afraid to speak out" implies a fear of expressing a dissenting or controversial opinion. Speaking out often carries a greater risk.

Is "afraid to speak" grammatically correct?

Yes, "afraid to speak" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of "adjective + to + verb", where "afraid" is an adjective describing the state of being, and "to speak" is an infinitive phrase indicating the action one is hesitant to perform.