be petrified of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be petrified of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an extreme fear or anxiety about something. Example: "She was petrified of speaking in public, often avoiding situations where she might have to do so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They ought to be petrified of that concept".

The New York Times - Tech

This is bungee-lite – you'd have to be petrified of heights to be fearful here.

The Guardian - Travel

"The really weird thing about the whole deal," Mrs. Howard said, "is that he used to be petrified of the dark and thunderstorms.

The New York Times - Health

More to the point, policymakers who have repeatedly bailed out Greece (2.5% of euro-zone GDP) for fear of the consequences of default will surely be petrified of the impact of a wider break-up.Barry Eichengreen, a monetary historian at the University of California, Berkeley, says that the economic costs of disintegration would be catastrophic for Europe and beyond.

The Economist

If you reside in California or New York, you'd have to be petrified of defaults not to buy municipal bonds issued by your state.

Forbes

What that in mind, here's our annual Global Fear League – a guide to which countries everyone in the UK should be petrified of this year.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I was petrified of him".

The New York Times

Yet many are petrified of the changes.

The Economist

She was petrified of him".

The Guardian

The right is petrified of this "right".

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm petrified of being set out on the street".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be petrified of" to express a strong, often paralyzing, fear. For a less intense feeling, consider "be afraid of" or "be scared of".

Common error

Avoid using "be petrified of" for mild anxieties or general discomfort. The phrase implies a profound and overwhelming fear, so ensure it aligns with the severity of the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be petrified of" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject and expressing a state of extreme fear or dread. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in expressing intense fear.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be petrified of" effectively communicates a state of intense fear or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While less common in formal or academic writing, its impactful expression of fear makes it a valuable tool in descriptive language. For conveying milder anxieties, consider alternatives like "be afraid of" or "be scared of". Using "be petrified of" judiciously ensures that its powerful connotation is not diluted by overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be terrified of

Emphasizes a high degree of fear, similar to "be petrified of" but with a more intense connotation.

be scared of

A more general term for fear, less intense than "be petrified of".

be afraid of

Similar to "be scared of", expressing a feeling of apprehension or anxiety.

be apprehensive about

Focuses on anticipation of something negative, rather than a current state of fear.

dread

Implies a strong feeling of fear mixed with dislike or reluctance.

live in fear of

Highlights a constant state of fear, rather than a specific instance.

be anxious about

Indicates worry and unease, which can stem from fear, but is broader in scope.

tremble at the thought of

Illustrates a physical reaction to fear, making it more vivid.

cower before

Suggests a submissive fear, often in the presence of something intimidating.

shrink from

Implies avoiding something due to fear or distaste.

FAQs

What does "be petrified of" mean?

The phrase "be petrified of" means to be extremely scared or frightened of something. It suggests a level of fear that is so intense it can feel paralyzing.

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

You can use "be petrified of" to describe a situation or object that causes you significant fear. For example: "I "am petrified of" heights" or "She "was petrified of" speaking in public."

What are some alternatives to "be petrified of"?

Some alternatives to "be petrified of" include "be terrified of", "be scared of", "be afraid of", or "dread", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The choice between "be petrified of" and "be afraid of" depends on the intensity of fear you want to express. "Be petrified of" suggests a much stronger and more overwhelming fear than "be afraid of", which is a more general term for feeling fear or apprehension.