afraid to venture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "afraid to venture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is hesitant or fearful about taking risks or trying new things. Example: "She was afraid to venture into the unknown, worried about what challenges lay ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm not afraid to venture out anymore," she said.

The New York Times

They're afraid to venture out into other kinds of books.

The New York Times - Books

But nowadays he has grown too afraid to venture far from the coast.

The Economist

Until yesterday, she said, she had been too afraid to venture back.

The New York Times

Yet older Turkish Cypriots remember being afraid to venture into Greek areas long before the invasion.

The New York Times

Yesterday Karasuu's mayor stayed at home, too afraid to venture out on to his own streets.

The Guardian

Children in large portions of Chicago grow up afraid to venture outside.

The New York Times

Neighborhoods have been unusually quiet, as Shiites stay home, afraid to venture out.

The New York Times

But since gangs started pulling people off buses and killing them, he has been too afraid to venture out.

The Economist

Some of his Hindu workers have stayed on, but some are too afraid to venture into the area.

The New York Times

Many are afraid to venture across the Bystrica to fields they once tilled, and life is dull.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using 'afraid to venture' can sometimes imply a lack of experience, so be mindful about your audience when using it.

Common error

Avoid using "afraid to venture" in situations where simple caution or prudence is more appropriate. The phrase implies a deeper sense of fear or hesitation, so using it lightly can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afraid to venture" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a state of fear or reluctance towards undertaking a new or uncertain activity. Ludwig AI suggests it's grammatical and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "afraid to venture" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of fear or reluctance towards undertaking something new or risky. As highlighted by Ludwig, its consistent usage across diverse contexts validates its versatility. While seemingly simple, choosing this phrase indicates that the subject is not just cautious but genuinely apprehensive. Its prevalence in news media suggests its utility in describing real-world hesitation amidst uncertainty. Keep in mind that you can also choose to use alternative phrases such as "hesitant to explore" or "reluctant to risk" to nuance your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant to explore

Focuses on the reluctance to explore new things, minimizing the element of fear.

reluctant to risk

Emphasizes the unwillingness to take risks, shifting away from the fear aspect.

uneasy about trying

Highlights discomfort when attempting new experiences, diluting the sense of dread.

apprehensive about embarking

Stresses the anxiety related to starting something new, framing the uncertainty.

cautious of pursuing

Indicates carefulness and wariness when following a particular path, reducing the fearful emotion.

wary of undertaking

Highlights a sense of caution and vigilance before committing to a new endeavor, lessening the fear.

shrinking from attempting

Suggests a strong aversion or recoil from trying something, intensifying the negative emotion.

timid about approaching

Emphasizes a lack of confidence when nearing a new experience or task, softening the emotion.

disinclined to initiate

Focuses on the lack of motivation or willingness to begin something, minimizing the fear factor.

reticent to proceed

Highlights a reserved or hesitant attitude about moving forward, decreasing the intensity of fear.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "afraid to venture" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives such as "hesitant to explore", "reluctant to risk", or "uneasy about trying" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "scared to venture" instead of "afraid to venture"?

Yes, "scared to venture" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "afraid to venture". The choice between them often depends on the desired tone and level of formality.

What does it imply when someone is "afraid to venture"?

It suggests that the person feels a sense of fear or apprehension about trying something new or taking a risk. It implies a lack of confidence or a concern about potential negative consequences.

Can "afraid to venture" be used in a positive context?

While primarily used in negative contexts to describe fear or hesitation, it can be used in a positive light when emphasizing courage or overcoming fear. For example, "She was initially afraid to venture into the unknown, but she eventually embraced the challenge and succeeded."