be afraid of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be afraid of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to express fear or apprehension of someone or something, and can be used in various contexts. For example: "I'm afraid of heights, so I won't be going on any rollercoasters on this trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't be afraid of implicitness.

The New York Times

Be afraid of them.

The Washington Post

"Don't be afraid of the size.

The New York Times - Books

Nobody should be afraid of that".

The New York Times

People used to be afraid of architects.

The New York Times

Why be afraid of negotiation?

Science Magazine

"Don't be afraid of rejection.

Forbes

Be afraid of somethings.

WikiHow

Don't be afraid of embarrassment.

WikiHow

Don't be afraid of dresses!

WikiHow

Don't be afraid of tackling.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be afraid of", consider the intensity of the fear you wish to convey. Synonyms like "terrified" or "anxious" can add nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "afraid" as a direct command. Instead of saying "Afraid of the dark!", use "Don't "be afraid of the dark"!"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be afraid of" functions as a phrasal verb expressing a state of fear or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable, and examples show it used with a diverse range of objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

45%

News & Media

31%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be afraid of" is a grammatically sound and very common phrasal verb used to express fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in Wiki and News & Media, indicating its versatility. While many synonyms exist, such as "be scared of" or "be fearful of", it's crucial to select the option that best reflects the nuance and intensity of the intended meaning. Remember, avoid using "afraid" as a direct command and choose appropriate synonyms to precisely convey the intended emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be scared of

Similar in meaning, replacing "afraid" with "scared" for a slightly more informal tone.

be fearful of

A more formal synonym, indicating a sense of fear or dread.

be apprehensive about

Focuses on a feeling of anxiety or unease about a future event or situation.

be worried about

Indicates concern or anxiety about something.

be anxious about

Similar to "worried about", but often implies a stronger sense of nervousness.

have a fear of

Shifts the phrasing to focus on the noun "fear" rather than the adjective "afraid".

dread

Expresses a strong feeling of fear or apprehension about something that is going to happen or might happen.

feel threatened by

Suggests a sense of danger or intimidation caused by someone or something.

be concerned about

Implies a level of worry or care about a particular issue or situation.

fight or flight response

A psychological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.

FAQs

How can I use "be afraid of" in a sentence?

You can use "be afraid of" to express fear or apprehension about something. For example, "I "am afraid of heights"" or "Don't "be afraid of making mistakes"".

What are some alternatives to "be afraid of"?

Some alternatives include "be scared of", "be fearful of", "be apprehensive about", or "have a fear of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am fear of" instead of "I be afraid of"?

No, "I am fear of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "I "am afraid of"". Fear is a noun, and in this context, "afraid" is an adjective describing a state of being.

What's the difference between "be afraid of" and "be anxious about"?

"Be afraid of" generally implies a fear of something specific, while "be anxious about" suggests a more general feeling of worry or unease about a situation or event.