be scared to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be scared to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing fear or hesitation about being something or doing something. Example: "Many people are often scared to be themselves in social situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

People shouldn't be scared to be themselves.

The Guardian - Music

"Don't be scared to be different, be original," Mr. Billups said.

The New York Times

Advertising revenues would decline both because of lower viewing figures and because people would be scared to be associated with the channel, he said.

The Guardian

Although Sendak's work can seem dark, and a little unsettling (my favourite of his illustrations is skinny, sinister Mr Rabbit, from Charlotte Zolotow's book – surely an influence on Donnie Darko), the freedom that he allows his children to be scared, to be wild, to be naughty, to be unlikeable, and yet still to be loved – will always be a comfort.

The Guardian - Opinion

A: Don't be scared to be different.

Science Magazine

"You don't have to be scared to be a techie.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

You were scared to be downtown.

The New York Times

I am scared to be forgotten".

The Guardian - Books

My family is scared to be around me".

The New York Times

"Girls are scared to be overly ambitious because they're scared of the potential backlash".

The New York Times

A lot of people were scared to be with me".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with conditional clauses to express potential outcomes or consequences related to one's actions or identity. For instance, "People are often "scared to be" open about their opinions, especially if they anticipate backlash."

Common error

While "be scared to be" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can dilute its impact. Consider using more nuanced expressions like "hesitant to be" or "apprehensive about being" to maintain a professional tone in reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be scared to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used after auxiliary verbs or modal verbs to express a state of fear or apprehension regarding one's identity or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be scared to be" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that expresses fear or hesitation about one's identity or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it's common in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it's less prevalent in formal academic or business settings. Consider its impact and context, opting for more nuanced alternatives like "hesitant" or "apprehensive" in professional scenarios. The key takeaway is to encourage authenticity while recognizing the potential impact of vulnerability, ensuring effective communication across diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be afraid to be

This is a direct synonym, replacing "scared" with "afraid" for identical meaning.

fear being

Uses "fear" as a verb and changes the grammatical structure, focusing on the action of being something.

be apprehensive about being

Introduces a more formal and nuanced term, "apprehensive", indicating a sense of unease or anxiety.

be hesitant to be

Shifts the focus to hesitation, suggesting reluctance rather than outright fear.

be anxious about being

Focuses on the anxiety and worry associated with being a certain way.

feel intimidated to be

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed or threatened, leading to a reluctance to be oneself.

be reluctant to be

Highlights the unwillingness or disinclination to be something, possibly due to fear or discomfort.

worry about being

Highlights the concern and preoccupation related to being a certain way.

dread being

Conveys a stronger sense of foreboding and aversion towards being something.

shrink from being

Implies a physical or emotional withdrawal from the idea of being something.

FAQs

How can I use "be scared to be" in a sentence?

You can use "be scared to be" to express fear or hesitation about expressing who you are or doing something. For example, "Many people are often "scared to be" themselves in social situations."

What phrases are similar to "be scared to be"?

Similar phrases include "be afraid to be", "fear being", or "be apprehensive about being" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be scared of being" or "be scared to be"?

Both "be scared of being" and "be scared to be" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different implications. "Be scared of being" emphasizes the state of existence, while "be scared to be" focuses on the action of becoming.

When should I avoid using "be scared to be"?

Avoid using "be scared to be" in very formal contexts where a more sophisticated or nuanced expression might be more appropriate. In such cases, consider alternatives like "be hesitant to be" or "be reluctant to be".