being scared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being scared" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a feeling of fear. For example: "The child was so scared that she was shaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Being scared".

The New York Times

From being scared?

The New York Times

He admitted to being scared.

The New York Times

"To get over being scared.

Independent

I stopped being scared.

The Guardian - Arts

Their children are being scared.

The Guardian

Being scared can be fun.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

When you're scared, you're scared".

Independent

Locher was scared.

The New Yorker

ANNA: I'm scared.

The New Yorker

"Yes, we were scared.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being scared", ensure it clearly conveys the intended emotion or state. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym if a stronger or more nuanced expression is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "being scared" directly to describe someone's inherent trait. Instead of saying "He is being scared", which is grammatically awkward, say "He is scared" or "He is easily scared" to more accurately convey the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being scared" functions primarily as a gerund phrase functioning as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as describing a state of fear or as part of a larger descriptive clause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

20%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being scared" functions as a gerund phrase, commonly used to express feelings of fear or anxiety across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's prevalent in news, media, and informal writing, with a neutral register, making it a versatile phrase. When crafting your message, be mindful of expressing it as a temporary state instead of a long-term trait of someone or something. When you do so your writing will result more accurate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling frightened

Focuses on the emotion of fear rather than the state of being scared.

experiencing fear

Emphasizes the sensation or experience of fear.

feeling afraid

A synonym that is often used interchangeably with "being scared".

in a state of fear

Highlights the condition or situation of experiencing fear.

apprehensive

Implies anxiety or fear about something that might happen in the future.

anxious

Describes a state of worry, nervousness, or unease.

terrified

Conveys a stronger sense of fear than "being scared".

petrified

Implies a state of extreme fear, to the point of being paralyzed.

fearing

Focuses on the action of being in fear.

dreading

Implies anticipating something with great fear or reluctance.

FAQs

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

"Being scared" is often used to describe a temporary state or feeling. For example, "Being scared is understandable when facing something new", or "I remember "being scared and lonely"".

What are some alternatives to "being scared"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "feeling afraid", "experiencing fear", or "feeling frightened" to express a similar sentiment.

Is there a difference between "being scared" and "being afraid"?

"Being scared" and "being afraid" are often used interchangeably. However, "being afraid" might imply a more prolonged or underlying fear, while "being scared" can refer to a more immediate reaction. Both can be used to express fear in general.

When is it appropriate to use "being scared" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "being scared" when you want to emphasize the state or process of experiencing fear, often in a specific situation or context. For example, "The animals were "being scared painless"".