be terrified that

USAGE SUMMARY

'be terrified that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when emphasizing that someone is very scared of something or someone. Example sentence: He was terrified that he would fail the exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I'll always be terrified that [an attack similar to WannaCry] will happen again.

The Guardian

Others would be terrified that wolves or coyotes might attack their pets.

The New York Times - Science

To be terrified that one person has complete power over you and holds your life in their hands.

The Guardian

They broke up two years ago, and she is said to be terrified that he will apply for custody.

The Guardian

Then, he didn't do it because he knew his mum would be terrified that he'd contract Aids.

The Guardian - Music

In a crisis supervisors will still be terrified that the threat of hundreds of billions of dollars of losses will fuel panic.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Yasmin is terrified that Tavito will leave.

The New Yorker

I was terrified that she might suffer.

The New York Times

Ferreira was terrified that people would die.

The Washington Post

He was terrified that his collection would be confiscated.

The New Yorker

I was terrified that I would jeopardize the art form.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be terrified that" to emphasize a significant level of fear or apprehension about a specific outcome. This phrase conveys a stronger sense of fear than simply saying someone is "afraid" or "worried".

Common error

Avoid using "be terrified that" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or nuanced expression of concern would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "be concerned that" or "be apprehensive about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be terrified that" functions as a subject complement, describing the state of being of a subject. It expresses a strong emotion of fear regarding a potential outcome. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts to convey intense apprehension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be terrified that" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a significant level of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news and media, science, and general narratives. While not as formal as some alternatives, it effectively conveys a strong sense of fear. To avoid overuse in formal writing, consider alternatives like "be concerned that" or "be apprehensive about". Ludwig's analysis shows that this phrase serves to express a high degree of fear about a specific possibility. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be petrified that

Synonymous with being terrified, emphasizing extreme fear.

fear greatly that

Emphasizes the intensity of fear, similar to "be terrified that".

dread the prospect that

Focuses on anticipating something negative with great fear.

be apprehensive that

Suggests anxiety or unease about a potential outcome.

worry excessively that

Highlights the excessive nature of the worry and fear.

live in fear that

Emphasizes a constant state of fear.

be anxious lest

A more formal way of expressing fear of something happening.

tremble at the thought that

Evokes a physical reaction to the fear, highlighting its intensity.

cower in fear that

Suggests a submissive posture due to intense fear.

lose sleep worrying that

Focuses on the impact of the worry and fear on one's well-being.

FAQs

How can I use "be terrified that" in a sentence?

You can use "be terrified that" to express a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about a potential event or situation. For example, "She was terrified that she would fail the exam".

What are some alternatives to "be terrified that"?

Alternatives include "fear greatly that", "dread the prospect that", or "be apprehensive that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be terrified that"?

Yes, "be terrified that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a high degree of fear or anxiety.

What's the difference between "be afraid that" and "be terrified that"?

"Be afraid that" expresses a general sense of fear or worry, while "be terrified that" implies a much stronger and more intense feeling of fear. "Terrified" suggests a higher level of anxiety and apprehension.