fearful of

USAGE SUMMARY

"fearful of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling or emotion that someone has due to a fear of something. For example: "The children were fearful of the dark figure looming in the corner of the room".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fearful of change?

The New Yorker

I'm fearful of it.

The Guardian - Film

People are fearful of it.

The Guardian - Film

I'm always fearful of quaint countryside.

Independent

I'm fearful of that".

The New York Times

"The leaders are fearful of this power".

The New York Times

Should passengers be more fearful of flying?

Independent

Shop owners shut early, fearful of assaults.

The New York Times

Am I fearful of exercising?

The Guardian - Opinion

Are you fearful of death?

The Guardian - Music

He isn't fearful of failure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fearful of", ensure that the object of your fear is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They were fearful", specify "They were fearful of the consequences."

Common error

Avoid using "fearful of" in highly informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "scared of" or "afraid of" might be more appropriate. While "fearful of" is generally acceptable, its slightly more formal tone can sometimes sound stilted in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fearful of" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of being afraid or apprehensive about something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage aligns with standard English grammar, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Fearful of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that conveys a sense of apprehension or anxiety. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "afraid of" may be more suitable for informal settings, "fearful of" provides a slightly more formal and nuanced way to express fear. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the object of fear is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of its usage, alternatives, and potential pitfalls, equipping writers to use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afraid of

Simple replacement, conveying a similar level of fear or apprehension.

apprehensive about

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or dread about a future event or situation.

worried about

Focuses on the mental unease and concern regarding a particular issue.

anxious about

Emphasizes the nervousness and heightened emotional state related to a concern.

concerned about

Highlights a level of care and worry, often implying a sense of responsibility.

uneasy about

Suggests a lack of comfort and a subtle feeling of disquiet.

hesitant about

Implies a reluctance or unwillingness due to potential risks or negative outcomes.

cautious of

Indicates a careful and guarded approach due to potential dangers or uncertainties.

wary of

Suggests a state of vigilance and distrust, often based on past experiences or perceived threats.

dreadful of

Expresses a strong feeling of fear or aversion towards something.

FAQs

What does "fearful of" mean?

The phrase "fearful of" means experiencing or showing fear, apprehension, or anxiety about something. It indicates a feeling of being afraid or worried about a potential outcome or situation.

How can I use "fearful of" in a sentence?

You can use "fearful of" to describe someone's feelings about a specific thing or event. For example, "She was fearful of heights" or "They were fearful of losing their jobs".

What are some alternatives to "fearful of"?

You can use alternatives like "afraid of", "worried about", or "anxious about depending on the context".

Is "fearful of" more formal than "afraid of"?

Yes, "fearful of" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "afraid of". While both phrases express fear, "fearful of" is often used in more formal writing or speech.