are afraid to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are afraid to" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is commonly used to express reluctance or fear about doing something. For example: "Many people are afraid to speak up in large groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"People are afraid to sue.

The New York Times

They are afraid to speak".

The New York Times

"Women are afraid to meet in markets.

The New York Times

You are afraid to take that chance".

The New York Times

"People are afraid to work with him.

The New Yorker

"Hollywood people are afraid to leave Hollywood.

The New Yorker

"Often people are afraid to push.

The New Yorker

Farmers are afraid to go to markets.

The Economist

Students are afraid to talk to foreigners.

The Economist

"People are afraid to die".

The New York Times

Many are afraid to return.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are afraid to", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject fears. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are afraid to" in overly broad statements without specifying the reason for the fear. For example, instead of saying "People are afraid to change", specify what aspects of change they fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are afraid to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of fear or reluctance towards performing a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct way to indicate that individuals or entities experience apprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are afraid to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express fear or reluctance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and easily understood. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to explain motivations and societal behaviors. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the source and object of the fear, avoiding overly general statements. Consider alternatives such as "hesitant to" or "reluctant to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scared to

A more direct and informal way of expressing fear, often used in casual conversation.

reluctant to

Highlights unwillingness or disinclination to do something, often due to personal reasons or preferences.

fearful of

Focuses on the emotion of fear itself, suggesting a general sense of apprehension.

hesitant to

Emphasizes a pause or reluctance before acting, suggesting uncertainty or caution.

apprehensive about

Implies anxiety or worry about a future event or situation.

uneasy about

Suggests a feeling of discomfort or nervousness, often due to a lack of confidence or certainty.

wary of

Indicates caution and suspicion, often due to past experiences or a perceived threat.

disinclined to

A more formal way of expressing a lack of enthusiasm or willingness.

loath to

Expresses strong aversion or repugnance towards doing something.

don't dare to

Implies a strong sense of risk or consequence associated with the action.

FAQs

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

Use "are afraid to" to express that someone is reluctant or scared to do something. For example: "They "are afraid to speak up"" or "People "are afraid to go outside"".

What's a more formal alternative to "are afraid to"?

More formal alternatives include "hesitant to", "reluctant to", or "apprehensive about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "are scared to" is a common and generally acceptable alternative to "are afraid to", although it may be considered slightly more informal.

What's the difference between "are afraid to" and "are anxious to"?

"Are afraid to" implies fear or reluctance, while "are anxious to" suggests eagerness or strong desire. They have opposite meanings.