be very afraid of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be very afraid of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong sense of fear or apprehension towards something or someone. Example: "When facing the unknown, it is natural to be very afraid of what might happen next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

-- India We should all be very afraid of the tension with the U.S.

The New York Times

People with autism may be very afraid of or very drawn to police dogs, Mr. Debbaudt said.

The New York Times

NEW YORK, Sept. 1 -- The theme of the Republican convention on Wednesday night, as on the previous two nights, was unmistakable: Be afraid of terrorists, and be very afraid of John F. Kerry's ability to fight the terrorists.

The Washington Post

The entire UK theatre community that needs to look at this development and be very afraid of a culture that assumes that seeing a digital performance is the same as seeing a live one.

The Guardian

So the bottom line is… Tread carefully, be very afraid of long-term deals, don't pay for heart, sign an offer sheet or two if you've got the guts (you don't), and when all else fails just sit out for a week or two.

The Guardian - Sport

That in turn means we have to be very afraid of Uncle Steve owning our data.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He was very afraid of NATO.

The New York Times

We are very afraid of nuclear radiation.

The Guardian

I'm very afraid of death.

The New Yorker

"I'm very afraid of horses.

The New York Times

"He is very afraid of ridicule".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be very afraid of" to create a sense of suspense or warning in your writing. It is particularly effective when you want to highlight the potential dangers or negative consequences of a situation.

Common error

While effective, avoid overusing "be very afraid of". Excessive repetition can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider varying your language with alternatives like "be deeply concerned about" or "be seriously worried about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very afraid of" functions as a predicate adjective, expressing a state of being in relation to a subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a strong feeling of apprehension or fear. The examples highlight its use in conveying concern about potential threats, dangers, or negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be very afraid of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express strong apprehension or fear. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for creating a sense of warning or highlighting potential dangers. Usage is particularly prevalent in News & Media, and Science contexts. While effective, avoid overuse and consider alternatives to maintain variety in your writing. Remember to use it to caution the readers by emphasizing potential risks or negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be extremely fearful of

This alternative intensifies the feeling of fear, making it more pronounced than the original phrase.

be very apprehensive about

This phrase conveys a sense of unease or anxiety about something that might happen in the future.

be seriously worried about

This alternative emphasizes the worry associated with a situation, highlighting the potential for negative outcomes.

regard with great trepidation

This alternative is more formal and suggests a more profound sense of fear or anxiety.

view with considerable alarm

This phrase highlights the alarming nature of a situation, emphasizing the potential for danger or harm.

be deeply concerned about

This phrase shifts the focus from fear to concern, suggesting a more thoughtful and less emotional response.

tremble at the thought of

This alternative uses more figurative language to illustrate the intensity of fear.

be extremely wary of

Similar to cautious, this emphasizes the need to be on guard and suspicious.

be highly cautious of

This alternative focuses on the need for caution, suggesting a more proactive approach to avoiding potential problems.

have grave reservations about

This phrase focuses on having doubts or hesitations, rather than outright fear, about something.

FAQs

How can I use "be very afraid of" in a sentence?

You can use "be very afraid of" to express strong apprehension or fear towards something. For example, "We should be very afraid of the country and world we are right on track to leave to our children."

What are some alternatives to "be very afraid of"?

Alternatives include "be extremely fearful of", "be deeply concerned about", or "be seriously worried about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be very afraid of"?

It is appropriate to use "be very afraid of" when you want to emphasize the potential danger, negative consequences, or alarming nature of a situation. It's suitable for creating a sense of urgency or caution.

What's the difference between "be very afraid of" and "be afraid of"?

The phrase "be very afraid of" intensifies the feeling of fear compared to "be afraid of". "Be very afraid of" implies a stronger, more significant level of apprehension.