become afraid

USAGE SUMMARY

'become afraid' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase can be used when a person is feeling a growing sense of fear or anxiety. For example, "As soon as she heard the thunder, she started to become afraid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You become afraid.

The New York Times

Small firms have become afraid to hire.

The Economist

"Investors will become afraid," Mr. Löchel said.

The New York Times

"The state has become afraid of digital media," he said.

The New York Times

What is more, people have become afraid of one another.

The New Yorker

Counterparties have become afraid to trade with each other.

The New York Times

"Our children have become afraid of the forest," he says.

The Guardian

They could become afraid again — as we could be made afraid.

The New York Times

"When banks see that you are operating in Somalia, they become afraid," Warsame said.

The New York Times - Magazine

When you try and fail to wake me, you become afraid.

The New Yorker

They cause people to become afraid just by looking at them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become afraid" to describe a gradual onset of fear, distinguishing it from sudden fright. This can add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "become afraid" when more specific verbs like "panic", "tremble", or "cower" could better convey the intensity and nature of the fear experienced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become afraid" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, indicating a change of state or condition. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes the process of transitioning into a state of fear. The examples illustrate various subjects experiencing this shift in emotional state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become afraid" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a gradual transition into a state of fear. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news, media and wiki. While it's versatile, consider using more specific verbs when possible to enhance precision. Remember to use "become afraid" to express the evolving nature of fear, differentiating it from a sudden shock or fright.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow fearful

Indicates a gradual increase in fear.

get scared

Implies a sudden onset of fear.

start fearing

Highlights the beginning of a fearful state.

turn apprehensive

Suggests a more subdued and anticipatory form of fear.

feel dread

Conveys a strong sense of impending doom or fear.

experience fright

Emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of fear.

be overcome with fear

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed by fear.

develop a fear of

Suggests the gradual building of a phobia or strong aversion.

find oneself afraid

Emphasizes the realization or discovery of being in a state of fear.

be seized with terror

Conveys a sudden and overpowering feeling of terror.

FAQs

How can I use "become afraid" in a sentence?

You can use "become afraid" to describe a gradual increase in fear. For instance, "As the storm intensified, the children "become afraid" of the thunder".

What are some alternatives to "become afraid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "grow fearful", "get scared", or "turn apprehensive".

Is it better to use "become afraid" or "become scared"?

"Become afraid" and "become scared" are often interchangeable, but "become afraid" can sometimes imply a more prolonged or thoughtful experience of fear, while "become scared" suggests a more immediate reaction.

What does it mean when someone says they "become afraid"?

It generally means that they are experiencing a gradual increase in fear or apprehension, often in response to a specific situation or realization.