be scared that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be scared that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing fear or anxiety about a specific situation or outcome. Example: "I tend to be scared that I will fail the exam if I don't study enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

You can't be scared, that's for sure.

The Guardian - Sport

Or will they be scared that there are more problems yet to be uncovered?

The New York Times

"You cannot be an Afghan and be scared that a bomb might go off.

The Guardian

McCain would be so angry that we'd be scared that he'd have a coronary or invade a new country.

The New York Times

Should you be scared that employers would be able to find out from your genome structure that you carry the Huntington's disease gene and fire you?

The Guardian - Opinion

Some people in the UK industry seem to be scared that if consumers find out about DAB+, this will have a negative effect on sales of DAB radios, which have sold fewer than 5m units since 1995.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"I'm scared that's going to happen to me," he said on Monday night.

The New York Times

But if the Saudis are scared that's a plus for the Iranians".

The Guardian

I was scared that day.

Huffington Post

"I was scared that would mean staying in the cowshed.

Huffington Post

I'm scared that he was lost.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be scared that" to express a specific fear or anxiety about a potential outcome, especially when you want to emphasize the emotional aspect of the concern. It's suitable for expressing personal feelings or describing someone else's emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "be scared that" excessively in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "be concerned that" or "be apprehensive that" to maintain a more objective and polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be scared that" functions as a predicate adjective expressing a state of fear or apprehension. It introduces a subordinate clause specifying the cause or object of the fear. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be scared that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express fear or anxiety about a specific situation or outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives such as "fear that" or "worry that" for variety and depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey. Remember to use "be scared that" when you want to emphasize the emotional aspect of the concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fear that

Uses a more concise verb to express the feeling of fear.

worry that

Indicates a sense of anxiety or concern about something.

dread that

Emphasizes a feeling of apprehension or intense fear.

be apprehensive that

Uses a more formal tone to express worry or unease.

be concerned that

Highlights a sense of concern or worry about a potential outcome.

be anxious that

Emphasizes a feeling of nervousness or unease.

have fears that

Expresses a general state of being afraid or worried.

feel afraid that

A more descriptive way to express the emotion of fear.

be terrified that

Conveys a stronger sense of fear or terror.

be petrified that

Indicates an extreme level of fear or paralysis.

FAQs

What does "be scared that" mean?

The phrase "be scared that" expresses a feeling of fear or anxiety about a particular situation or outcome. It implies a sense of apprehension or worry related to something that might happen.

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

You can use alternatives such as "fear that", "worry that", or "be concerned that" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

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

You can use "be scared that" to express your feelings: "I "am scared that" I will fail the exam". You can use "be scared that" to express a feeling about another person: "They "are scared that" people will find out".

Is "be scared of" the same as "be scared that"?

"Be scared of" generally refers to a general fear of something (e.g., "I am scared of spiders"), whereas "be scared that" refers to a specific fear or concern about a particular event or outcome (e.g., "I "am scared that" I will fail the exam").