be fearful that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fearful that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or apprehension about a specific situation or outcome. Example: "You should be fearful that your actions may have unintended consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I'd be fearful that the fire would've gone out".

The Guardian - Music

The regime may be fearful that people are beginning to feel they have less and less to lose.

The Economist

Newsnight insiders were said to be fearful that the programme would be suspended in the wake of the McAlpine fiasco.

The Guardian

She is said to be fearful that – whether her husband is convicted or not – his legacy will be forever tainted by the odour of corruption.

Independent

Consumers will be fearful that their insurance premiums will rise even further, although the introduction of the government-backed Flood Re in April should limit any rises.

The Guardian

While management generally favors arbitration, the dock workers would be fearful that they would get less from arbitration than from economic pressure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Increasingly I am fearful that's not going to happen".

Huffington Post

While it is understandable that some are fearful, that is not a reason to stay stuck.

WikiHow

"I'm fearful that everything's gonna be taken away.

The New Yorker

She is fearful that it will be scratched or vandalized.

The New York Times

"The businessmen are fearful that change is coming," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be fearful that", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or reason for the fear. This helps the reader understand the specific concern being expressed.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "be fearful that" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In such situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "be worried that" or "be afraid that" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fearful that" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of apprehension or fear regarding a potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it connecting a subject with their worry about a specific situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be fearful that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey apprehension or worry about a potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports or analytical writing. In more casual settings, consider using alternatives like "be worried that" or "be afraid that". The primary function is to express concern, and understanding this nuance will help you employ it effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be afraid that

Direct synonym expressing a similar feeling of apprehension or worry.

be worried that

Similar in meaning, indicating a state of concern about something.

be concerned that

Suggests a slightly more formal and thoughtful worry.

be anxious that

Indicates a state of unease and apprehension.

be apprehensive that

More formal, expressing a feeling of dread or foreboding.

be scared that

Implies a stronger emotional reaction of fear.

have concerns that

Focuses on the existence of worries or doubts.

dread the possibility that

Emphasizes a strong feeling of aversion and fear toward a potential event.

have misgivings that

Suggests a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome.

be uneasy that

Expresses a feeling of discomfort and anxiety.

FAQs

What does "be fearful that" mean?

The phrase "be fearful that" means to feel afraid or apprehensive that something might happen. It expresses concern or worry about a potential negative outcome.

What can I say instead of "be fearful that"?

You can use alternatives like "be afraid that", "be worried that", or "be concerned that" depending on the context.

Is "be fearful that" formal or informal?

"Be fearful that" is considered relatively formal. In more casual settings, phrases like "be afraid that" or "be worried that" might be more appropriate.

How to use "be fearful that" in a sentence?

You can use "be fearful that" to express a concern about a potential event. For example: "Analysts "are fearful that" asset prices will continue to fall."