feel afraid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel afraid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing emotions or when someone is in a frightening or dangerous situation. For example, "The young girl felt afraid as the robbers approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I feel afraid".

The New Yorker

Did he feel afraid?

The Guardian

You always feel afraid.

The New York Times - Magazine

We feel afraid.

The Guardian

Here I don't feel afraid".

The New Yorker

He begins to feel afraid.

The Guardian - Music

I feel afraid of uncertainty.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's so seductive that you feel afraid.

The New Yorker

All Jews have to feel afraid.

The New York Times

So we began to feel afraid".

The Guardian - Travel

He could see her start to feel afraid.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel afraid" to underscore potential dangers or threats in storytelling, creating tension and engaging the audience's emotions.

Common error

While "feel afraid" is appropriate in many contexts, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by incorporating related phrases like "be scared", "be apprehensive", or "experience fear" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel afraid" functions primarily as a descriptive expression, conveying a subjective emotional state. It is used to indicate that someone is experiencing fear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel afraid" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing the emotional experience of fear. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread applicability. It's commonly found in various contexts such as "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki", highlighting its versatility. While overuse should be avoided by incorporating alternatives like "be scared" or "be apprehensive", "feel afraid" remains a valuable tool for expressing vulnerability and anxiety in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be scared

A more direct and common synonym for feeling fear.

be frightened

Similar to 'be scared' but can imply a more intense level of fear.

be apprehensive

Implies anxiety or unease about something that might happen.

experience fear

A more formal way of describing the feeling of fear.

sense fear

Suggests an intuitive or subconscious awareness of fear.

be anxious

Focuses on the worried or uneasy aspect of fear.

feel uneasy

Describes a general feeling of discomfort or apprehension.

have trepidation

Implies a formal tone for feeling of fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen

be intimidated

Highlights the feeling of being made fearful by someone or something.

feel vulnerable

Captures the sense of being exposed or at risk, which can lead to fear.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel afraid" to describe someone's emotional state in response to a perceived threat or danger. For example, "She began to "feel afraid" as the footsteps grew louder".

What are some alternatives to "feel afraid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be scared", "be frightened", or "be apprehensive" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "feel afraid"?

Yes, "feel afraid" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It accurately describes the sensation of experiencing fear.

What's the difference between "feel afraid" and "be afraid"?

While both phrases are similar, "feel afraid" emphasizes the emotional experience of fear, whereas "be afraid" is a more general statement about being in a state of fear.