be scared of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be scared of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling or emotion of fear towards something or someone. Example: I am scared of spiders.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What can I be scared of?

The New York Times

Should we be scared of the FN?

Independent

They can't be scared of him.

The New York Times - Sports

They must be scared of someone".

The New Yorker

Don't be scared of mistakes.

The Guardian - Books

Why be scared of it?

The Guardian

Don't be scared of failure.

The Guardian

They should be scared of failure, right?

The Guardian - Business

Don't be scared of being boring either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Why be scared of that?" Jones said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Men need not be scared of it.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone, replace "be scared of" with more empowering language like "don't hesitate to" or "be confident in".

Common error

Avoid using "scared from" instead of "scared of". The correct preposition to use with "scared" when expressing fear toward something is "of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be scared of" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of fear or apprehension towards a specific object, person, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both grammatically correct and common. For example, "Don't be scared of mistakes."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

31%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be scared of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to express fear or apprehension, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears most often in news and media and Wiki sources. To enhance clarity and impact, consider related phrases like "be afraid of" or "be frightened of". Remember to use "of" and not "from" after "scared". By understanding its usage and alternatives, you can effectively convey emotions and provide reassurance to others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be afraid of

This alternative is a direct synonym, expressing a similar level of fear or apprehension.

be frightened of

This alternative is very close in meaning, suggesting a slightly more sudden or intense feeling of fear.

have a fear of

This alternative phrases the sentiment as possessing a fear, rather than experiencing it.

be terrified of

This alternative suggests a much stronger feeling of fear, bordering on terror.

dread

This alternative is a single word expressing intense fear or apprehension.

be apprehensive about

This alternative implies a more anticipatory and anxious feeling about something.

be intimidated by

This alternative implies feeling overwhelmed and fearful due to someone's power or presence.

feel anxious about

This alternative focuses on the feeling of anxiety rather than outright fear.

be wary of

This alternative suggests caution and distrust, rather than outright fear.

shrink from

This alternative implies a reluctance to face something due to fear or distaste.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "be scared of"?

You can use alternatives like "be afraid of", "be frightened of", or "be terrified of" depending on the context.

How do I use "be scared of" in a sentence?

The phrase "be scared of" is typically followed by a noun or gerund, indicating the object or action that causes fear. For example, "I am scared of spiders" or "They are scared of failing".

Is it correct to say "be scared from" instead of "be scared of"?

No, "be scared from" is grammatically incorrect. The correct preposition to use is "of". You should always say "be scared of".

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

"Be scared of" implies a more direct and intense fear, while "be anxious about" suggests a more general feeling of worry or unease. The choice depends on the specific emotion you want to convey.