be scared of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be scared of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing fear or apprehension about a specific thing or situation. Example: "Many children are scared of the dark, which can make bedtime a challenging experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I cannot be scared of something I helped start.

The Guardian - Music

"For me to be scared of something says a lot, since I'm going to active war zones".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"If you're only polite – is that being scared of something?

The Guardian

"I think the woman lived in a condition [in which] she was scared of something or someone," he says.

The Guardian

I know it seems like a far-fetched idea, but a lot of people are scared of something like this happening.

The New Yorker

"We've had to do that so many times along the road when we have been training, whether I have been scared of something or I have been injured and physically hurt and mentally hurt".

BBC

"Isaiah, always tell me if you don't like something, or if you're scared of something.

Huffington Post

My sister is a wonderful human but she loved to torture me when she knew I was scared of something.

Huffington Post

Everyone is scared of something, even the people we view as the strongest in our lives have, at one time or another, been fearful.

Huffington Post

It's that wee feeling of I'm not sure if I should tell folk, and being afraid, that's what made me do it, because fear, being scared of something, feels like weakness in a way.

Vice

Another is that facing a fear head-on in therapy, and seeing that nothing bad will happen, can change your association with that fear especially if you're scared of something because of a prior experience or trauma.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be scared of something" when you want to express a general sense of fear or apprehension towards a specific object, situation, or concept. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "scared" as a noun. "Scared" is an adjective; the correct noun form is "fear". Instead of saying "The scared is natural", say "The fear is natural".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be scared of something" functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being frightened or apprehensive in relation to a specific object or concept. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be scared of something" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to communicate fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, highlighting its prevalence across diverse source types like News & Media, Wiki, and even scientific contexts. While similar to "be afraid of something", the former is considered less formal. To avoid misuse, remember that "scared" is an adjective, not a noun. When clarity and impact matter, opt for synonyms like "fear something" or "dread something" for varied emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be afraid of something

A more formal and direct synonym.

fear something

A more concise and intense way to express the same sentiment, omitting "be" and "of".

dread something

Implies a strong sense of apprehension and aversion.

be apprehensive about something

Suggests anxiety and uncertainty about a future event or possibility.

be worried about something

Focuses on the mental unease and concern caused by a particular thing.

have a phobia of something

Indicates an irrational and intense fear.

cower at something

Emphasizes a physical reaction of fear and submission.

tremble at something

Highlights the physical manifestation of fear through shaking or trembling.

be intimidated by something

Suggests feeling daunted or threatened by something.

shrink from something

Implies avoiding something due to fear or aversion.

FAQs

How can I use "be scared of something" in a sentence?

You can use "be scared of something" to express fear or apprehension. For example, "Many people "are scared of spiders"". Alternatively, you could say "I fear the consequences".

What are some alternatives to "be scared of something"?

Alternatives include "be afraid of something", "fear something", or "dread something", depending on the context and the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "be scared of something" and "be afraid of something"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "be afraid of something" is generally considered more formal than "be scared of something". They are often interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "be scared of something"?

It's appropriate to use "be scared of something" in any situation where you want to express that someone experiences fear or anxiety regarding a specific thing, event, or idea. It fits comfortably in both casual and neutral conversations.