are frightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are frightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of fear or anxiety experienced by someone or a group of people. Example: "The children are frightened by the loud thunderstorm outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Patients are frightened; physicians are frightened.

The New York Times

Kenyans are frightened.

The Economist

You are frightened.

The New Yorker

European capitals are frightened.

The New York Times

Most, however, are frightened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Children are frightened and weep.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The results are frightening.

The Economist

Some reactions are frightening.

Independent

They are frightening.

Independent

His predictions are frightening.

The Guardian - Opinion

The numbers are frightening.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the emotional state of a group, using "are frightened" can effectively convey a sense of shared vulnerability or concern. For example, "The villagers are frightened by the approaching storm."

Common error

Avoid using "frightened" as a noun. "Frightened" is an adjective or past participle. Instead of saying "The frightened was evident", say "The fear was evident" or "Their frightened state was evident".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are frightened" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of the subject. It indicates that the subject is experiencing fear or alarm. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in news and media to report on people's emotional responses to events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are frightened" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of fear or alarm. As indicated by Ludwig, it is considered correct and appropriate for written English. Its usage spans various contexts, most notably news and media, conveying emotional responses to events. While synonyms like "are scared" and "are afraid" exist, "are frightened" often suggests a deeper or more intense level of fear. Remember to avoid using "frightened" as a noun and consider the formality of your context when choosing between alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are scared

A more informal and general synonym for "are frightened".

are afraid

A common and slightly less intense alternative to "are frightened".

are fearful

A more descriptive and slightly formal way to say "are frightened".

are terrified

Indicates a higher degree of fear than "are frightened".

are alarmed

Suggests a sudden awareness of danger, implying a quick onset of fear.

are petrified

Conveys an extreme level of fear, almost paralyzing.

are apprehensive

Implies a feeling of anxiety or dread about something that might happen.

are panic-stricken

Describes a state of intense, overwhelming fear leading to panic.

are anxious

Describes a state of worry and unease.

are intimidated

Suggests being made fearful by someone or something's power or reputation.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "are frightened"?

You could use "are apprehensive" or "are fearful" to express a similar sentiment with a more formal tone.

How does "are frightened" differ from "are scared"?

"Are frightened" and "are scared" are largely interchangeable, but "are frightened" can sometimes imply a deeper or more intense level of fear. "Are scared" is generally considered more informal.

What are some common situations where people "are frightened"?

People "are frightened" in a variety of situations involving perceived danger, such as during a natural disaster, in the face of violence, or when experiencing uncertainty about the future.

What can I say instead of "are frightened" to describe a group's collective fear?

You might say "are filled with fear", "are in a state of alarm", or "are gripped by terror" depending on the intensity and context of the fear.