be fearful of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fearful of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sense of fear or apprehension towards something or someone. Example: "Many people tend to be fearful of public speaking, which can hinder their professional growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is certainly true that we should be fearful of fear itself, since panic has practical economic consequences.

The New Yorker

You mustn't be fearful of being imaginative.

The Guardian - Arts

Google has a larger reason to be fearful of Facebook.

The New Yorker

People are hard-wired to be fearful of large carnivores.

The New York Times - Books

I don't think we want to be fearful of that.

Independent

He seemed to be fearful of creating a dessert that customers might actually like.

The New York Times - Food

Unfortunately, it is too oblivious of those it leaves behind to be fearful of them.

The New York Times

Some people might be fearful of the pressure, but to be honest it drives me.

The Guardian - Sport

By Ken Auletta December 8, 2010 Google has a larger reason to be fearful of Facebook.

The New Yorker

He said they may be fearful of repercussions for their violence against the civilian population.

The Guardian

There is much, much to be fearful of, though perhaps it is not a good idea to know this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be fearful of" to express a specific sense of apprehension or fear, often directed towards a particular object, situation, or outcome. It is especially effective when indicating a sense of caution or aversion.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "be fearful of" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be afraid of" or "be worried about" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fearful of" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject by describing a state of being. It expresses a feeling of apprehension or fear towards a specific object, person, or situation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

10%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be fearful of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote apprehension or fear. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its frequent appearance in news and media, and scientific contexts. While it can be used across various settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "be afraid of" may be preferable in informal conversations. When using "be fearful of", ensure it accurately reflects a specific concern or perceived threat to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be afraid of

This is a direct synonym, replacing 'fearful' with 'afraid' for simpler phrasing.

have a fear of

This restructures the phrase to emphasize the possession of fear, slightly changing the tone.

be apprehensive about

This uses a more formal term, 'apprehensive', suggesting anxiety or unease about a future event.

be anxious about

This uses 'anxious' indicating worry and nervousness.

be worried about

This replaces 'fearful' with 'worried' for a more common and less intense expression of concern.

be concerned about

This is a milder expression, indicating a general sense of concern or care.

dread

A single word encapsulating intense fear or apprehension, usually about something impending.

be filled with dread

Emphasizes the intensity of fear or apprehension.

have misgivings about

Suggests a sense of doubt or unease about something, rather than outright fear.

feel trepidation towards

This utilizes 'trepidation,' a more formal and nuanced term indicating fear or anxiety about what may happen.

FAQs

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

Use "be fearful of" to express apprehension or worry about something. For example, "Many people "are fearful of public speaking"" or "Individuals "should be fearful of cybersecurity threats"."

What are some alternatives to "be fearful of"?

You can use phrases like "be afraid of", "be worried about", or "have a fear of" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "be fearful of" or "be afraid of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Be fearful of" is slightly more formal and emphasizes a deeper sense of apprehension, while "be afraid of" is more common and generally used.

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

"Be fearful of" often implies a specific concern or threat, whereas "be anxious about" suggests a more generalized state of worry or unease. One may "be fearful of" a specific event, while feeling "anxious about" the overall situation.