become scared

USAGE SUMMARY

"become scared" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an action that someone does in response to something they experienced. For example, "The loud thunderclap made him become scared and hide under the bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

He never ever let them become scared.

The Guardian - Film

We didn't become scared for the first time on Sunday.

The Guardian - Opinion

The day you become more powerful than God, I will become scared of you".

The New York Times

Faced with this kind of persecution, Iran's environmental community has become scared and confused.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a shame that we've become scared of kids going out and having adventures.

The Guardian

"You can get this thing where you almost become scared of losing.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The workers became scared, left, and never returned.

University of California, Berkeley

"I became scared, especially for my wife," he said.

The New Yorker

"But after the arrest of Na Tchuto, people became scared.

The Guardian

Professor Kazmann likes to say that this was when the Corps became "scared green".

The New Yorker

Investors became scared that companies had been saddled with too much debt; junk bond prices plummeted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become scared", consider the context to choose a synonym if you want to convey a specific nuance, such as sudden fear (e.g., "get frightened") or a gradual onset of fear (e.g., "grow afraid").

Common error

Avoid using "scared" as a noun. "Scared" is an adjective, so it needs to modify a noun or be used with a linking verb like "become". Incorrect: "The scared was overwhelming." Correct: "The fear was overwhelming" or "They became scared."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become scared" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being. It indicates the process of transitioning into a state of fear, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become scared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the process of developing fear. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. While the phrase is versatile, considering synonyms like "get frightened" or "grow afraid" can add nuance to your writing. Be mindful of using "scared" as an adjective rather than a noun. In summary, "become scared" is a useful and acceptable phrase across various contexts, particularly in news and media, but with a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get frightened

Implies a sudden onset of fear, often triggered by a specific event.

grow afraid

Suggests a gradual increase in fear over time.

turn fearful

Emphasizes the transformation into a state of fear.

be overcome with fear

Highlights the intensity and overwhelming nature of the fear.

be filled with dread

Indicates a strong feeling of apprehension about something in the future.

develop a fear

Implies the formation of a lasting fear or phobia.

feel terror

Expresses an extreme level of fear and panic.

start to panic

Focuses on the initial reaction of fear leading to uncontrolled anxiety.

get anxious

Suggests a milder form of fear, characterized by worry and unease.

lose courage

Highlights the loss of bravery or confidence due to fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "become scared" to describe the process of someone starting to feel fear. For example, "He "became scared" when he heard the strange noise."

What's the difference between "become scared" and "get scared"?

"Become scared" suggests a gradual process of feeling fear, while "get scared" often implies a more sudden or immediate reaction. Both are correct, but the nuance can affect your writing.

What can I say instead of "become scared"?

You can use alternatives like "get frightened", "grow afraid", or "turn fearful" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "become scared"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Become" is a linking verb that connects the subject to the adjective "scared", indicating a change of state.