are less afraid of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less afraid of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a reduced level of fear or apprehension towards something or someone compared to a previous state or in comparison to others. Example: "Children today are less afraid of technology than their parents were at the same age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I'm sure most Greenlanders are less afraid of global warming than westerners.

The Guardian

There's no question that the Democrats are less afraid of him than they were".

The New York Times

Publications and ad agencies are less afraid of Yahoo than Google, Mr. Squali said.

The New York Times

"As people begin to be able to create with technology," she said, "they are less afraid of it".

The New York Times

Infants with a secure attachment to a parent are less afraid of challenge and unfamiliarity than are those with an insecure attachment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As long as their jobs are so secure, lawmakers in Albany are less afraid of their constituents than they are of their leaders.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Still, you sometimes wish he would be less afraid of his keen musical intelligence.

The New York Times - Arts

"I like helping younger women be less afraid of getting closer to death," beams Jane Fonda.

The Guardian - Film

He is less afraid of a divorced single mother in a Church on Sunday than of pews that are empty.

The New Yorker

Mr da Silva would be less afraid of intervening, for instance to stop state-controlled Petrobras buying foreign-made oil platforms.

The Economist

Elsie was less afraid of this than he; he refused to test how far she would let him "go".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are less afraid of" to indicate a decrease in fear over time, or in comparison to others. For example, "People who understand statistics are less afraid of data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "are less afraid of" when the context requires complete fearlessness. This phrase implies a reduction in fear, not the total absence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less afraid of" functions as a predicate adjective phrase expressing a comparative state of reduced fear or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from personal emotions to broader societal attitudes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are less afraid of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that denotes a reduction in fear or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English. Its neutral register and wide applicability make it suitable for various contexts, from personal narratives to scholarly discussions. Usage patterns indicate its frequent appearance in news media, encyclopedias and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the implication of reduced, not absent, fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not as scared of

Uses "scared" instead of "afraid" maintaining a similar level of formality.

feel less apprehensive about

Replaces "afraid" with "apprehensive" and uses "feel" to emphasize the emotional state.

are not as intimidated by

Replaces "afraid" with "intimidated" suggesting a lack of feeling daunted.

have fewer fears concerning

Shifts the focus to the number of fears, using "concerning" to specify the subject.

find less daunting

Emphasizes that something is perceived as less challenging or frightening.

experience reduced anxiety regarding

Uses more formal language to convey a decrease in anxiety.

are not so worried about

Emphasizes a decrease in worry rather than fear.

are less concerned about

Shifts the focus from fear to general concern.

possess less trepidation towards

Uses the formal term "trepidation" to indicate a decrease in fear or anxiety.

are more confident facing

Focuses on increased confidence as opposed to reduced fear.

FAQs

What does "are less afraid of" mean?

The phrase "are less afraid of" indicates a diminished level of fear or apprehension towards something, suggesting a decrease in worry or anxiety compared to a previous state or another group.

How can I use "are less afraid of" in a sentence?

You can use "are less afraid of" to compare the level of fear between different groups or to describe a change in someone's feelings over time. For example, "Children who grow up with pets "are less afraid of" animals."

What are some alternatives to "are less afraid of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "feel less apprehensive about", "are not as scared of", or "have fewer fears concerning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "are less fearful of" instead of "are less afraid of"?

Yes, "are less fearful of" is a valid alternative. "Fearful" and "afraid" are often interchangeable, though "fearful" can sometimes sound more formal.