be frightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be frightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a state of fear or anxiety that someone may experience in a particular situation. Example: "When the thunderstorm hit, I could see the children begin to be frightened by the loud noises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Be frightened – be very frightened," he said.

The Guardian

Don't be frightened!

The Economist

Other judges may be frightened.

The Economist

Please don't be frightened".

The New York Times

"But don't be frightened.

The New York Times

"You should be frightened, is the message".

Independent

He is right to be frightened.

The Economist

"He should be frightened of me".

The New Yorker

"Don't be frightened" he told the children.

The New Yorker

Ms. May had reason to be frightened.

The New York Times

They had some reason to be frightened.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a general state of fear, "be frightened" is suitable. For a sudden or intense fear, consider stronger alternatives like "be terrified" or "be petrified".

Common error

While acceptable, "be frightened" can sound less impactful in formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "fear", "dread", or "worry" to convey nuances effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be frightened" primarily functions as a verb phrase, expressing a state of being or a condition. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a state of fear or alarm. Examples show it used to describe reactions to specific events or general anxieties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be frightened" is a grammatically sound and common verb phrase used to express a state of fear or apprehension. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news and media contexts, and while it's generally neutral in register, stronger alternatives might be preferable in formal writing. Consider related phrases like "feel scared" or "become afraid" for slight variations in meaning or intensity. Remember to consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing whether to use "be frightened" or a more precise alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel scared

Replaces the verb "be frightened" with a more direct emotional descriptor.

become afraid

Substitutes "frightened" with "afraid" and "be" with "become", altering the verb.

grow fearful

Changes "frightened" to "fearful" and uses "grow" to indicate a gradual increase in fear.

be alarmed

Uses "alarmed" to convey a sudden sense of fear or worry.

experience terror

Replaces "frightened" with the more intense emotion "terror" and uses the verb "experience".

be apprehensive

Substitutes "frightened" with "apprehensive", indicating anxiety about a future event.

get spooked

Employs the informal term "spooked" for a sudden and often irrational fear.

take fright

Uses the idiom "take fright" to describe suddenly becoming frightened.

be intimidated

Indicates a fear induced by feeling threatened or overpowered.

live in fear

Expresses a prolonged state of being frightened or afraid.

FAQs

How can I use "be frightened" in a sentence?

You can use "be frightened" to describe a state of fear, as in "The children "began to be frightened" by the storm" or "He had reason to "be frightened" by the threats".

What can I say instead of "be frightened"?

Alternatives include "feel scared", "become afraid", or "grow fearful" depending on the specific context and intensity of fear.

Is it better to say "be frightened" or "be scared"?

Both "be frightened" and "be scared" are correct, but "be scared" is generally considered more informal. "Be frightened" may be preferred in more formal or literary contexts.

What's the difference between "be frightened" and "be terrified"?

"Be terrified" expresses a much stronger and more intense level of fear than "be frightened". If someone is "terrified", they are experiencing extreme fear; if they "be frightened", their fear is less intense.